Several community-spirited residents were presented with Civic Awards by Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge’s Mayor last night (Tuesday, March 18th) in recognition of their service in the two towns.
Dozens of people attended Burnham and Highbridge’s annual Civic Awards ceremony at The Princess Theatre where awards were handed out by Mayor Cllr Sharon Perry and Somerset High Sheriff Rob Beckley.
Awards were presented to Mary Nicholson for an ‘Individual who has Gone Above and Beyond in Helping Other People’, plus Scott Rundle for ‘Help and Support within the Community’ in his role at Burnham RNLI.
A further civic award was presented to The Friends of Burnham-On-Sea Beach for the ‘Community Group Award for Services to Residents of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge’ to highlight their litter-cleaning work.
The Mayor said she was delighted to present the awards to highlight their “outstanding contributions.” She read the following citations:
Mary Nicholson
“Mary moved to Burnham in the early 1970’s with her husband John and six children. A trained nurse, she became a practice nurse at Highbridge Medical Centre, before becoming a district nurse and then a highly respected community midwife. Her love of her career pathway inspired not only three of her daughters to follow in her footsteps, but also other younger members of the community to take up nursing.”
“Whilst working and bringing up her family Mary founded a local youth club, running it for many years. With twice weekly sessions for 11 – 18 year olds, she inspired youngsters and encouraged social integration.”
“In later years she also offered a fortnightly session for residents of Somerset Court where they could come and play table tennis, listen to music and enjoy social activities, interacting with local youth. She even organised a 24 hour sponsored table tennis marathon to raise money for local charities.”
“Mary was also a founding member of Hillview Carnival Club during this time, 51 years ago, and the club is the only local club still on the road and still fundraising for charities.”
”In 2015, Mary, at the age of 80, even abseiled down Clifton Gorge to fundraise for the club. A committed member of the local Catholic community, Mary finds time to visit sick and housebound parishioners, taking communion to them as they are unable to attend Church.”
”In 2022, as part of the Jubilee celebrations in town, Mary felt honoured to be crowned the Jubilee Queen after being nominated. This year, to celebrate turning 90, Mary is planning on walking Hadrians Wall to raise money for the Beacon Centre at Musgrove.”
“I am delighted to be presenting Mary with the individual award for an ‘Individual who has Gone Above and Beyond in Helping Other People’.”
Scott Rundle
“Scott has been helping to save lives at sea since 1994 when he started with BARB, moving over to the RNLI when the station first opened in 2003. In 2023 he received his 30 year service medal from the RNLI, a celebration of outstanding service.”
“Scott currently holds roles as both a helmsman and as Launch Authority. Launch Authority means he is responsible for contacting the Coastguard to understand the task the crew have been called to, and for getting the boats and crew launched and away, quite a responsibility when lives are at stake.”
“For over half of his service, Scott has been a valuable member of the Lifeboats Operational Management Team. In this role he is helping to support the Operations Manager, ensuring the smooth overall running of the station, the building and its contents, as well as the training of the crew and the operational readiness of both the towns inshore Lifeboats.”
“Scott has been, and continues to be, an outstanding member of the RNLI and local community, selflessly training and launching boats whenever needed to save lives at sea. Over the past 20 years of RNLI service Scott has achieved the following: Hours at sea on exercise: 1,130, Launched on exercise: 415 times, Hours at sea on service: 176 including 73 launches, People aided: 62 and Lives saved: 7.”
“During his time at the RNLI he has also acted as a mentor to both trainee crew and existing crew, always offering support. As Scott trains crew under his command they gain valuable experience from his hours spent at sea, and his knowledge of the local area, the unpredictable tides and the weather.”
“For this reason I would like to present Scott with the individual award for ‘Help and Support within the Community’.”
Friends of Burnham Beach
“Formed in September 2016, the Friends of Burnham Beach meet monthly to collect tons of litter from our local beach, the banks of the estuary, and other places in our locality.”
“Their aim is to make the town and its surrounding area a better place to live, as well as looking after the environment. They do not confine themselves to Burnham Beach; for example, they recently extended their litter-collecting endeavours to Pople’s Bow, Burnham Moor Road, and the roundabout at Highbridge near the recycling centre.”
“They respond, when they are able, to calls for a clean-up of the estuary following high tides, which bring in all sorts of litter and waste.”
“Regrettably, litter is an ever-present problem, but this friendly group of volunteers persist in their efforts to keep the beach and surrounding areas clear of rubbish so that everyone can enjoy our natural environment. They welcome all to join them, including families with children over the age of 5, encouraging a sense of responsibility for the environment in the next generation. They would, I am sure, welcome any new members willing to help and can be found on their Facebook page.”
Collecting litter is a relatively simple task, but it does require organisation and commitment. The Friends of Burnham Beach have been fortunate to have a dedicated and hard-working committee of seven, who have coordinated the efforts of this group for a long time.”
“Their passion for improving the area is evident, and benefits all those who use the beach and enjoy the natural environment in our towns.”
“I am pleased to present the ‘Community Group Award for Services to Residents of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge’ to this group of worthy recipients.”
