Four residents from Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge were presented with awards to recognise their work for the community at the town’s annual Civic Service on Sunday (July 15th).
Derick Cooper, Ian Jefferies, Mary Lawrence and Pam Lyes received the awards after being nominated for their community work with numerous groups – read full details here.
The Mayor of Burnham and Highbridge, Cllr Ken Smout, was joined by The High Sheriff of Somerset, Sylvana Chandler, in presenting the awards at the annual ceremony in St Andrew’s Church.
The service was preceded by a procession through the town by the dignitaries, pictured below, who included Sedgemoor District Council Chairwoman Gill Slocombe, local Mayors and Inspector Roger Tolley from Burnham Police.
The church was filled with a congregation of around 200 dignitaries, community leaders and representatives from groups across the area.
Cllr Smout thanked the residents for their “considerable commitment and dedication to the community over many years.”
During the service, which was led by Rev Andrew Jackson from Highbridge’s Hope Baptist Church, Burnham’s Mudlarks Community Choir gave superb performances of three songs, which prompted loud applause.
A bible reading was given by Deputy Mayor Cllr Martin Cox followed by prayers from Mayor’s Cadet Lance Corporal Lucia Blackmore, Town Clerk Eileen Shaw and Phoebe Harling from the Mayor’s Charity, the BAY Centre.
The service ended with a collection for the BAY Centre, the singing of the National Anthem and was followed by a Civic Reception at the Princess Theatre.
The procession wended its way through Burnham from the Princess Theatre
The High Sheriff of Somerset, Sylvana Chandler, was welcomed by the Mayor
Gill Slocombe, Chair of Sedgemoor District Council, leaving the service
Award winner Ian Jefferies with Burnham Coastguard Station Officer Steve Bird and their wives
Mayor Ken Smout with Town Clerk Eileen Shaw at the Civic Reception
