Three unsung community heroes from Highbridge and Brent Knoll have been recognised for their work with awards from Sedgemoor District Council this week.
Roger Cross and Andy Churches from Highbridge’s King Alfred’s Amateur Boxing Club and John Page from Brent Knoll received the awards at ceremony on Thursday evening (March 30th).
The Chairman of the distict council, Cllr Ian Dyer, has introduced the Chairman’s Community Awards this year to shine a spotlight on those across the area who bring local communities together, as nominated by district councillors.
Roger Cross and Andy Churches from King Alfred’s Amateur Boxing Club in Highbridge were nominated by Cllrs Roger and Janet Keen (pictured above).
Brent Knoll councillor Bob Filmer nominated John Page (pictured right with Cllr Ian Dyer).
Highbridge Cllr Janet Keen explained their reasons for choosing the duo: “Andy founded King Alfred’s Amateur Boxing Club some 15 years ago in Highbridge and was joined shortly afterwards by Roger who acted as Club Chair and boxing coach. The Club is competitive and part of the England Boxing network.”
“They continually seek to recruit and retain adult coaches and organise their full training to national standards and arrange special boxing skills sessions for those too young to box. Both Roger and Andy have worked tirelessly for the club whilst maintaining their jobs and family lives, fundraising to buy equipment, outreaching to youngsters through other organisations such as schools and local police officers, they set personal examples which inspire youngsters to achieve targets of self-respect in their daily lives.”
Cllr Bob Filmer explained why John, who has lived in Brent Knoll for about 20 years, was chosen: “During that time he has been an active and stalwart member of the community. He has been Treasurer of the Parish Hall and a key driver of the refurbishment and extension projects which have seen over a third of a million pounds raised to improve the hall facilities.”
“He also helped resurrect the Village Wassail and leads celebrations each year. Being a keen historian he started the village’s History Group, writing a history of the Parish Church and regular pieces in the village magazine. John is Chairman of the village Fete committee as well as being an active member of Brent Amateur Dramatics and at Christmas time is also very busy as one of Santa’s ‘stand ins’.”
