Published: August 24, 2008
In photos: Burnham-On-Sea Civic Awards presented at annual ceremony

Five residents from the Burnham-On-Sea area were presented with awards for their service to the community during the annual Civic Service in the town on Sunday afternoon (August 24th).

The Mayor of Burnham and Highbridge, Peter Burridge-Clayton, handed over the awards during the Annual Civic Service at St Andrew's Church, which was attended by more than 200 community leaders and representatives from groups across Somerset.

John Coombes, Bob Nicholson, Barbara Thorogood, Hilary Rose and Jean Whitehouse had all been nominated for their tireless work in our local community.

The hour-long service was led by the Mayor's Chaplain, Christine Judson, who is also Curate of St John's Church. It was preceded by a procession of civic dignitaries from The Princess Hall to the church. High winds led to the reception and Civic Tea being moved from the Manor Gardens into the Princess.

The late Mr Coombes was nominated for his contribution to the social, cultural and intellectual life of Burnham. He sadly died in April this year just days after hearing he had been nominated and his wife, Pat, therefore collected his award on his behalf.

Barbara Thorogood was nominated for her years of involvement within Burnham's Gateway Club, BAY Centre, playgroup and Stroke Club.

Bob Nicholson was nominated for his work as a driving force in the promotion of local tourism for some 30 years.

Hilary Rose was put forward for her long involvement with the Sea Cadet Unit and the French Twinning Association.

And Jean Whitehouse was nominated as one of the driving forces behind the conception of the Highbridge Community Hall.

During the service, Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton praised all five for the "truly marvellous jobs you have all done over many years."