The names of four community-spirited residents in Burnham and Highbridge who are to receive Civic Awards have been announced this week.
John Alexander, Mark Newman, Roger Packer and Jason Vickers have been named by the Town Council as recepients of this year’s awards, which will be presented on September 8th at the 27th annual Civic Service.
The awards will be handed out by Mayor Cllr Martin Cox and Brigadier Tom Lang QVRM RD DL, Deputy Lieutenant for Somerset.
John Alexander, pictured right, is the founder of Burnham Dreamscheme. He was also a mainstay in the youth cafe.
He works as a volunteer for Burnham Police and is chair for what were once called PACT meetings.
He is also Neighbourhood Watch and Speedwatch co-ordinator.
John puts many hours into many projects and events in Burnham and is always happy to help other groups when required.
Mark Newman, right, runs Burnham’s highly-regarded community website, Burnham-On-Sea.com, which has been providing news and promoting local groups and events across the area for over ten years.
He is also Chairman of BARB, the town’s rescue hovercraft charity, and Chairman of Burnham Chamber of Trade.
Mark is also a founder member of BiARS, the community organisation set up to run Burnham’s Tourist Information Centre, and continues to be a member of its management committee.
Roger Packer, right, has for 55 years rung the bells at St Andrew’s Church for Sunday Services, public events and weekly practices.
35 years ago he became Captain of the Ringers when he became responsible for organising ringing, and teaching new recruits, maintenance of the bells and liaising with visiting bands of ringers, wedding parties and visiting tradesmen. He also helps with ringing and training. Roger is also always happy to help with odd jobs around the church and in 2008 he took over care of the church clock.
Jason Vickers is a marathon runner for charity who is partially disabled and was a torch bearer at the 2012 Olympic Games, working tirelessly for local charities.
Jason, who is a familar face at the town’s Tesco store where he works, is also a Burnham Lions Club member and tries to get involved in as much Lions work as he can.
This year’s Civic Awards service will be preceded at 2.50pm by a short procession through Burnham by the civic dignitaries from The Princess Theatre to St Andrew’s Church.
During the service, a collection will be taken in aid of BARB and the St Andrew’s Church Appeal.
