The names of the four residents who are to receive this year’s Civic Awards were announced by the town’s Mayor on Monday evening (June 5th).
Cllr Eric Gill, pictured, said there had been a good number of well-deserving residents put forward for the awards, which recognise those who have helped the community the most.
Cllr Gill announced the names of the four recipients as Mrs Fay Burston, Mr Tony Deahl, Mr Hector Heal and Mr Mike Lang.
Explaining the reasons behind the town council’s decision, he said: “Mrs Fay Burston was nominated in recognition for her tireless work in Highbridge, working for the benefit of the community, and in particular the Highbridge U3A, including the U3A magazine, and her work on the Highbridge History Project, support for sick members, including assistance with transport for hospital visits. Mrs Burston and her husband work tirelessly and are wonderful ambassadors for Highbridge and Somerset.”
“Mr Tony Deahl was put forward for his chairmanship of the Burnham Hospital League of Friends, and his more recent work as education and visits officer for the RNLI in Burnham. He has always been involved in the community, from swimming and football when his sons were small, to being Chairman of the King Alfred Concert Band and a governor of St Andrew’s School.”
“Mr Hector Heal was nominated in recognition of 30 years service to the Berrow Road Community Centre, holding over time the position of Treasurer, Secretary and Warden, the last few years as Treasurer. Throughout the time Mr Heal oversaw the maintenance and smooth running of the centre through hard times and good, and was always very prudent with income, making sure the most urgent priority was the maintenance of the building. Mr Heal retired in January due to ill health.”
“Mr Mike Lang was put forward for his work as press officer for Burnham’s RNLI, a post he also performs for the loyal order of the Moose. For some years he has been part of the hard-working team restoring the fabric of the Burnham Area Youth Centre in Cassis Close in the town. His own personal connections with diabetes led him to take over the post of secretary of the Burnham branch of Diabetes UK and more recently the founding of the Burnbridge Diabetes Support Group.”
The four recipients of the Civic Awards will be presented with their well-earned awards at a special church service, this year to be held in Highbridge, later in the year.
