Dozens of people attended the AGM of Burnham-On-Sea’s rescue hovercraft charity BARB Search & Rescue on Friday (June 2nd) when a busy year of call-outs and fundraising was reviewed.
The charity’s volunteers and supporters gathered at Burnham’s Town Council Chambers for the annual meeting.
Those present heard the charity’s hovercrafts and rescue boats have been called out more than 50 times over the past year to help people in difficulty along the coastline.
The Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, Cllr Mike Cresswell, and his wife June, were the VIP guests. He said he is a “huge supporter” of BARB and praised all those involved for their volunteering work.
Sgt Ryan Edwards from Avon and Somerset Police also thanked the BARB volunteers for their time in keeping the coastline safe.
During the meeting, BARB’s Chairman Mark Newman thanked the charity’s fundraisers, crew and supporters for their “hugely appreciated work” and he praised the close working with the RNLI and Coastguard.
The meeting included a brief period of silence in memory of the late Neville Jones, who was BARB’s founder and President of 24 years, until he passed away last summer.
Roger Flower was elected as the new President, as pictured, having previously been a long-standing crewmember and BARB’s secretary.
The annual telescope award was retired and a new award, the Neville Jones Shield, was introduced which is now presented to the volunteer of the year, which was won by Operations Manager Mike Lowe.
Mike talked about some of the rescues that had taken place and also thanked BARB’s crewmembers for their “huge dedication”.
BARB Treasurer Mike Ross was also presented with a long-service award, recognising his involvement with the charity since it was formed.
Certificates were also presented to several of the charity’s fundraisers, supporters and crew who have put in time to help the charity over the past year.
During the election of officers, those re-appointed were Chairman Mark Newman, Vice Chairman Adrian Hooke, Operations Manager Mike Lowe, Deputy Operations Manager Graham Hallsworth and BARB Treasurer Mike Ross.
Mike Lowe receiving the Neville Jones Shield from Sgt Ryan Edwards
Cllr Mike Creswell and his wife June at the AGM meeting
Pictured: Friday’s night’s AGM of BARB Search & Rescue (photos Mike Lang)
