Awards for local heroes who make a difference in their communities

LOCAL heroes from across the Wellington area have been celebrated with the annual Somerset Council ‘Chairman’s Service to the Community’ awards.

Several residents and groups were recognised at an awards ceremony for having made outstanding contributions to their local communities.

Council chairman Cllr Mike Best hosted the awards presentations in Taunton Rugby Club on Friday, October 16, celebrating individuals and organisations nominated by city, town, and parish authorities from across the county.

A total of 49 nominations were received this year, recognising the contribution made by people and groups to their local communities.

Cllr Best said: “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise and thank people who give their time and energy to their communities across Somerset.

“So much of what they do happens quietly and without expectation of recognition, but their contribution makes a real difference to the places in which they live.

“It was a privilege to celebrate so many of them and to hear about the contribution they make.

“I would like to congratulate all of this year’s recipients and thank them for everything they do for Somerset.”

A special award from the chairman was also presented to three members of Somerset’s Youth Parliament, Lucas Cross, Blake Sheard, and Eva Dowden, and their advisory group, recognising the young people representing the county and supporting the work of the Youth Parliament.

Alongside the main ceremony, Cllr Best will also separately make 12 presentations to recipients in their local communities who were unable to attend on the evening.

Local winners included Oake’s Frances Gully, nominated by her parish council for ‘unstinting work’ in producing the village’s recently adopted neighbourhood plan.

A parish council spokesperson said: “We are thrilled Frances has been recognised and given this prestigious award.”

Other local award recipients included: