A RECORD number of nominations were received for this year’s Citizenship Awards, hosted by Taunton Deane Borough Council with local Rotary Clubs to recognise the area’s unsung heroes.

There were 19 entries in the annual awards open to individuals and voluntary groups that make a real difference to the people living in the community.

As a result the panel of judges, led by Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Marica Hill, decided to select five winners – three individuals and two groups. WWN area winners were:

Louise Brierley

Louise is a working mum from Wellington who helps a number of local groups and has improved the membership and profile of them all. She has run Wellington Majorettes for the last ten years and has been secretary of Wellington Carnival Committee for three years.

Louise has helped to make massive improvements to the organisation and collections, and has also transformed Wellington Street Fair – the Carnival’s largest fundraising event. It now boasts more than 100 stalls and attracts visitors from far and wide.

In addition, Louise was in charge of a sponsored abseil at St John’s Church in February. The event raised more than £5,700 with half going to Carnival funds and half to charities of the individual abseiler’s choice.

Bob Homeshaw

Wiveliscombe stalwart Bob has been chairman of Taunton Flower Show since 2004 working tirelessly to nurture a team of 200 volunteers.

Bob, who is retiring from the post this autumn, has enabled the show to grow in quality and popularity over the years – ensuring there are attractions for all the family and moving show dates from midweek to the weekend.

Bob has also made a significant contribution to other aspects of life in Taunton Deane. He was a trustee of the Hestercombe Gardens Trust for ten years, and was chairman of the Friends of Hestercombe – a group that has contributed greatly to its development and success.

Bob is also chairman of Wiveliscombe Garden Club and vice-president of Wellington Flower Show. He has also been a member of the management committee of Orchestra West and chairman of Wiveliscombe Horticultural Show. Bob is also a helper in the SSAFA armed forces charity and opens his garden every year to raise funds for it.

n The 36 volunteer drivers for the Wivey Link Community Transport Service.

Wivey Link was set up nearly 15 years ago to help combat isolation in this rural area and many of the drivers have been volunteers since the beginning.

They drive an average of 125 miles a day – mostly short journeys enabling people to get to doctor, chiropodist and hospital appointments or the hairdresser and day centre.

The drivers often go beyond the call of duty to ensure that passengers get to the correct department for their appointments or safely indoors with their shopping.

They are regarded locally as ‘jewels in the crown’ providing a vital service to the older and infirm members of the community.

The winners were presented with their awards and £100 to give to a charity of their choice at a ceremony at the Taunton Conference Centre, Somerset College, on Wednesday. Everyone who received a nomination was invited to attend and collect a certificate as well.

Cllr Hill said: “The awards’ selection panel had an extremely difficult task this year. We received a record number of extremely worthy nominations for groups and individuals who do outstanding voluntary work in our community. As a result the panel decided the fairest way forward was to make two extra presentations this year.

“Our communities benefit enormously from the work of volunteers who devote so much of their time and energy into making Taunton Deane a special place to live. Every single one of those nominated deserve our recognition and thanks.”