Four residents from Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are set to be honoured for their service to the community with Civic Awards at a special event today (Sunday).
The annual Burnham and Highbridge Civic Service takes place in Highbridge this afternoon.
Town crier Alastair Murray, Burnham In Bloom’s Jo Brown, former councillor Dennis Davey, and RNLI operations manager Matt Davies are to receive the awards during the annual service in St John’s Church.
The winners, chosen by the Town Council, were drawn up from a list of nominees submitted by members of the public earlier this year.
Alastair has held the role of Town Crier since 2013 and is often heard ringing his bell to inform residents and visitors about community events. He supports the Mayor by attending many official functions and visits and helps to ‘meet and greet’ coach visitors in the town. He is also a founding member of the Panto Society and a regular performer.
Matt is currently the Operations Manager at Burnham RNLI Lifeboat Station where he has put in many hours of volunteer time. He is one of the first people suffering from diabetes to be accepted by the RNLI as operational boat crew and has been instrumental in lifesaving in Burnham.
Dennis joined the Rotary Club in 1995 and became its President. He’s an active member of the Fritzlar Twinning Society Committee and is Vice Chairman. He served for 16 years as a town councillor, was chairman of Sedgemoor District Council and is a former Mayor.
Jo was nominated for her long involvement with Burnham In Bloom, helping to brighten our streets with fantastic floral displays. Jo has been the group’s children’s co-ordinator for 13 years and encourages schools to take part. Jo is also well known as the friendly face at Burnham and Highbridge’s post offices.
Burnham and Highbridge’s Mayor, Cllr, Bill Hancock, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I’m delighted with this year’s choices – we have chosen four people who have been an important part of community life in both the towns for many years.”