Leading figures from Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge were presented with civic awards for their service to the community on Sunday (September 10th).
The High Sheriff of Somerset, Brigadier Alastair Fyfe, handed over the awards during the Annual Civic Service in King Alfred School, which was attended by MP David Heathcoat-Amory and more than 200 community leaders and representatives from groups across the two towns.
The hour-long service was preceded by a procession of civic dignitaries into the school’s hall and followed by a reception in the school’s refectory.
During the service Mayor Eric Gill paid tribute to the many people who are involved in community work across the two towns and said the recepients – Fay Burston, Tony Deahl, Hector Heal and Mike Lang – were “incredibly well deserving.”
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 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.
There was a poignant moment during the service when the Mayor paid his respects to the fourth award recipient who was not at the service. Hector Heal, as reported last week, sadly died just days before the service after 30 years service to the Berrow Road Community Centre.
Over that time he held 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 had retired in January due to ill health and died last Thursday while helping a neighbour.
The civic service continued with both Mr Heathcoat-Amory and Mr Gill giving readings. An address was made by Reverend Robin Lodge, vicar of St John’s Church in Highbridge, who also led the service, and this was followed by a short choral recital by representatives of the Burnham and Highbridge Choral Society. Prayers were led by Pastor Kelston Black of Highbridge Gospel Hall and the national anthem closed the service. A retiring collection was made on behalf of the Mayor’s chosen charities, the RNLI and BARB. The audience then left the hall and made their way to the school’s refectory, where a civic reception was laid on and the audience got an opportunity to congratulate the award recepients.
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