Burnham-On-Sea rescue hovercraft charity BARB Search & Rescue has reviewed a busy year for its volunteers during its Annual General Meeting.
The long-running charity welcomed Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Mayor Cllr Mike Facey for the evening at the Town Council Chambers.
The charity’s volunteer crew, fundraisers and support team were thanked for giving hundreds of hours of their time to BARB over the course of the past year.
“It was noted that it had been a challenging year for the charity with few fundraising events able to take place due to the pandemic, but call-outs, training, maintenance and work to modernise the seafront station has proceeded with BARB set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2022,” said a spokesman.
“Awards for long service and volunteer work were presented to several of the team. Darryl Joughlin received his hovercraft pilot’s certificate, having completed his flying training over many months. Both Craig Dunbar and Anita Williams received certificates for five year’s service. Andy Croker received a certificate for 15 years’ service.”
“Alan Heal received the Neville Jones Trophy for being voted by the crew as BARB’s ‘Volunteer of the Year’. And crewmembers David Kemp and Adrian Cunningham received President’s Commendation certificates in recognition of their efforts during a life-saving rescue in 2020.”
The strong team working of the volunteers and close working alongside Burnham Coastguard and other agencies was praised by the charity’s Chairman Mark Newman and Operations Manager Mike Lowe during their recaps of the past year.
