Several community-spirited residents were presented with Civic Awards by Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge’s Mayor last night (Thursday, March 26th) in recognition of their service to the two towns.
Dozens of people attended Burnham and Highbridge’s annual Civic Awards ceremony at The Princess Theatre where awards were handed out by Mayor Cllr Mike Facey and Deputy Mayor Paul Wynn.
Awards were presented to Anne-Marie Booton for an ‘Individual who has Gone Above and Beyond in Helping Others’, plus Roger Flower for ‘Help and Support within the Community’ in his role as President at Burnham’s BARB Search & Rescue.
Ann Popham received a Civic Award for ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for promoting history and heritage in the two towns.
A group civic award was also presented to Highbridge and Burnham Local Pantry for the ‘Community Group Award for Services to Residents of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge’ to highlight their food provision service.
And a further special award was presented to headteacher Dan Milford who is retiring at King Alfred School Academy in Highbridge this autumn, as reported here, recognising his positive community engagement and extensive improvements at the school over many years.
The Mayor said he was delighted to present the awards to highlight all the “outstanding contributions.” He read the following citations:
Roger Flower
“Roger has been a committed volunteer with BARB Search and Rescue for 23 years, giving his time, energy and expertise to help keep local people and visitors alike safe. Roger’s contribution spans several parts of the charity’s work – from frontline as a former crewmember, to major public events, fundraising and administration, having served as a volunteer crewmember, helping to launch BARB’s rescue hovercrafts and working alongside fellow volunteers along our coastline.”
“Roger’s calm presence, reliability and commitment made him a valued member of the team. Roger also dedicated 13 years to serving as BARB’s secretary, managing meetings, administration and the essential behind-the-scenes work that keeps the charity running smoothly.”
“On top of all of that, Roger organises Burnham’s annual Seafront Emergency Services Day, which has grown into one of the region’s leading summer emergency services events. Held every August Bank Holiday weekend, it attracts thousands of visitors and brings together lots of different emergency service organisations from across the South West. Roger is central to the event’s success – co-ordinating participants, planning logistics and ensuring that BARB’s lifesaving work and vital beach safety messages reach as many people as possible.”
“Roger is also a key member of the fundraising team at Trinity Close, where the annual Christmas lights display raises thousands of pounds each year for BARB’s lifesaving work. Roger’s enthusiasm and dedication helps to ensure the event’s continued success. Across each role, Roger demonstrates commitment, reliability and community spirit and for that, Roger Flower is being given the Individual Award for Help and Support within the community.”
Anne-Marie Booton
“Anne-Marie has been nominated for her bravery, kindness and selflessness. Anne-Marie works with people who are suffering with dementia, a very important role indeed.”
“One day one of Ann-Marie’s clients, aged 92, was found trying to jump off the railway bridge at Highbridge Station, in an attempt to take his own life. Anne-Marie not only talked the gentleman down, but then comforted him and took care of him when calls to emergency services failed.”
“Anne-Marie often takes clients home so that they can sit with her family and have dinner in a home environment. Anne-Marie also fundraises for Dementia UK and just last year held a successful afternoon tea event at the Sailing Club.”
“As a very busy mother of 5, Anne-Marie still finds time to show compassion while juggling work commitments and family life as well. Anne-Marie is a very special person and tonight is being awarded the Individual Award for being A Person who has Gone Above and Beyond in Helping Others.”
Ann Popham
“For many years Ann has been at the centre of local history and heritage work, ensuring that the stories, landmarks and memories of our towns are recorded, protected and passed on to future generations.”
“One of Ann’s most significant contributions is the creation of regular historical booklets, each meticulously researched and well presented. Personally compiling the content, sourcing photographs, gathering information and documenting the people, places and events that shaped both Burnham and Highbridge, Ann then oversees the printing and distribution of thousands of copies across the area, ensuring that local history is accessible to everyone.”
“Ann has also played a leading role within the Burnham Heritage Group to bring important railway heritage features back into public view. Because of this Burnham now proudly displays the replica Signal Box at Old Station Approach, the railway signal on Marine Drive, an old railway station sign on Old Station Approach besides the site of the old platform and heritage information boards near Burnham’s fountain and at Highbridge railway station and at Apex Park.”
“Each of these projects required coordination, research, seeking of funding and a great understanding of the area’s history-all of which Ann undertook with passion and care. These installations now stand as permanent reminders of the towns’ railway past, enjoyed daily by both residents and visitors.”
“Ann’s work has not only preserved physical artefacts and historical records; it has strengthened community identity, deepened local pride in history and ensured that the heritage of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.”
Highbridge & Burnham Local Pantry
“The Highbridge and Burnham-On-Sea Local Pantry launched at the start of 2022 and is a partnership between Burnham Baptist Church and Morland Community Hub. The group is part of the Somerset Local Pantry Network, who buy and collect surplus food, but each pantry is independently run by their own volunteers.”
“Residents who are on low budgets can become members and for £5 per week can collect 2 bags of mixed food items, including fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as dry and frozen goods.”
“In the first year of operating alone, The Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea Local Pantry provided the equivalent of over 20,000 meals. They provide low cost surplus food which helps to reduce food waste.”
“Any profits made are then returned to the Community through donations to worthwhile causes, such as a defibrillator for the Premier Stores on Burnham Road, football kit for Burnbridge Wanderers Junior Football Club and a monetary donation to Wedmore Community Farm.”
“The volunteers continue to work tirelessly, giving of their time and skills, in a collaborative effort to ensure the continued success of the Pantry. The Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea Pantry are worthy winners of the Community Group Award for Services to the Residents of Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge.”
