TAUNTON Town Council presented the Civic Awards as it hosted its first-ever Annual Town Meeting.

The event took place yesterday (Tuesday, March 5) at the County Room at Somerset County Cricket Club.

The meeting was an annual review of the council year, an opportunity to debate important local issues and to celebrate community achievements.

A report presented at the event included an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the town council, and introduced the Corporate Plan which sets out the overarching priorities of the council for the next three years:

• A Prosperous Town

• A Sustainable Environment

• An Engaged Community

• A Vibrant Culture

• A Council that Delivers.

It was a roundup of all major activity and achievements, month by month, including the Remembrance celebrations and the assignment of the Poppy of Honour, Carols Around the Bandstand and the agreement of the 2024/25 budget.

It looked ahead to the coming year, with the D-Day 80 celebrations and plans to plant approximately 700 trees within our parks and open spaces, as well as plans to upgrade public toilets and play equipment.

Councillor Deakin, leader of Taunton Town Council, said: “The Annual Town Meeting was a wonderful opportunity to showcase what we have achieved as a town and council over the past year and share our future plans.

“I was delighted to see so many of our residents in attendance.

"It was a real privilege to hear from some of our grant recipients, the passion they show for their work was evident and we are honoured as a council to be able to assist them to achieve their aims.”

The Civic Awards provided the opportunity to recognise and celebrate residents and organisations who go above and beyond in their daily work for, and with, the communities in which they live.

Councillor O’Donnell said: “It was a privilege to present certificates of thanks to so many of our inspiring residents, people who go the extra mile, with no expectation of recognition, but whom we should nevertheless acknowledge and applaud.

“Their commitment to making Taunton a great place to live and work mirrors what we as a Council strive to achieve.”

Civic Awards full list

Mervyn Roberts – in recognition of his support and dedication to the setup of St George’s Wilton Community Fridge

The Friends of Comeytrowe Pond – in recognition of their engagement with residents and the Council to regenerate the pond and surrounding green space.

2BU Somerset – in recognition of their support to LGBTQ+ young people and their families.

Mary Ulrico – in recognition of her service to the Halcon Community.

The Appleton Family – in recognition of their contribution to the community through the Friends of French Weir Park.

GoCreate Taunton CIC – in recognition of their dedication and commitment to inclusive arts and culture in Taunton.

Roger and Thirza Ashelford – for their outstanding contribution to the Friends of Comeytrowe Park.

Susie Thomas – in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the promotion of Taunton’s Independent businesses, through her online presence as Taunton Independent Quarter.

The Headteacher and staff at Priorswood Primary School – in recognition of the efforts made by staff over the last year in achieving a significantly improved OFSTED report.

Helen Lawy – in recognition of her service to the community through The Friends of Longrun Meadow.

The Creative Innovation Centre CIC – in recognition of their contribution to the creative and social well-being of Taunton.

Taunton Sea-Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets – in recognition of their outstanding support to the community and Mayoralty.

The following were not able to attend on the evening and will have their awards presented by the Mayor at a later date.

David Northey – in recognition of his work to promote and ensure public transport is protected and improved across the town through Travel Watch SW.

Roger and Marilyn House – for their outstanding contribution to Victoria Park Action Group and Taunton Carnival Committee.

Fiona Wilson – for her longstanding commitment and voluntary support to Taunton Deane blades Fencing community.

Jamie Hill – in recognition of his service to the community through Taunton’s Longrun Meadow Parkrun