The community group that runs Burnham-On-Sea’s Tourist Information Centre has a new Chairman this week.
Cllr Neville Jones, 93, stepped down from the role at BIARS (Burnham Information and Rescue Support) during the group’s AGM held on Tuesday.
Tom Ashton, a director at Somerset Tourism Association and a former guest house owner in Burnham, has taken over the Chairman’s position and thanked Cllr Jones for all his work, who becomes honorary Life President.
“Neville has had probably the longest active role in tourism in the country, from running his own hotel business in Devon to being the head of the south west tourist board for many years and more recently being a driving force behind Burnham’s tourism industry for over 50 years,” said Tom.
“Without him, I doubt if we would have a tourism office in Burnham and we owe a great deal to him for all his lobbying work over the years.”
Cllr Jones said: “Our tourist centre is doing a fantastic job and I’m proud to have been a part of it – I will continue to provide help where I can and am pleased to accept the role of President.”
During the AGM, centre manager Ian Jefferies, Treasurer Steph Lewis and Secretary Gail Cruickshank were all thanked for their considerable work over the past year, along with the organisation’s 50 volunteers who keep the centre running.
Volunteers and supporters of BIARS at this week’s AGM, above
