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Published:
September 10, 2006
Photo
special: 2006 Burnham-On-Sea Annual Civic Service
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.
RELATED
LINKS:
2005 Civic Service
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