Scores of well-deserved awards were handed out to members of Highbridge and Burnham St John Badgers and Cadets during the group’s annual presentation night on Tuesday (January 17th).
Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge’s Mayor and Mayoress, Michael and Maria Clarke, were the special guests alongside County St John Ambulance Youth staff and friends and family of the youngsters.
The evening was held to celebrate the progress over the past year of the Badgers, who are aged between 5 and 10, and the Cadets, who are aged between 11 and 17.
The evening also saw the enrolling of Joshua Gingell, Katie and Sophie Bell into the sett – who were all awarded their Welcome Paw.
Various certificates were also awarded to the youngsters for the completion of their different subject badges and the gaining of Bronze, Silver and Gold Paws, which are awarded for the completion of 3, 6 and 9 subjects.
One member, Emily Dunne, received the highest of individual awards for Badgers – a Super Badger award for completion of 12 subjects.
The awards are decided upon by the various leaders and helpers, the efforts of the Badgers made some of the decisions very hard and all were worthy winners.
All the Badgers were commended for their effort and behaviour throughout the year.
The winners this year were for most improved – Kyran Fordham, best attendance – Reeves, smartest uniform – Connie Hazleton-Cavill, most promising newcomer – Christian Whyte, and the Pat Mastermann Shield for the Badger of the year – Leo Fordham.
As the Badgers progress and show a certain level of maturity they are given small elements of responsibility and these Badgers are known as ‘follow me’ Badgers who will help the leaders and helpers. Three members of the Sett – Leo Fordham, David Matos and Kaitlyn Heyward – were all promoted to ‘follow me’ Badgers.
The Badger first aid team of Leah Adams, Courtney Gibbs-Jones and Ophelia Hazleton-Cavill, who earlier in the year had represented the Sett, county and region at the national competition in Swindon, were awarded the special award of the Jean Ham Plate for outstanding achievement.
Anyone interested in joining the Badger Sett or helping out should contact Julia Gibson, the Sett Leader, on 07944482569. The Sett meets on Tuesdays between 6pm and 7.15pm.
