Community heroes from across Somerset have been recognised for their unstinting service with a Somerset Council Chair’s Award.

The awards were presented by Somerset Council chair, Cllr Mike Best, at a ceremony in Taunton Rugby Football Club attended by the nominees and their guests, and the deputy leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Liz Leyshon.

The award recipients were nominated by their city, town and parish councils in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their communities.

Among those on the list of honours was Chatty Hour Tuesdays, nominated by Lympsham Parish Council, whose citation said: “This wonderful group was started by our own Julia Rosser to combat loneliness, provide a warm space in winter, help those with memory and sight issues and provide a subsidised meal once a week in the community café at the Sports Club in the heart of Lympsham. 

“This nomination is for the whole group who come to chat, support and laugh together. I can honestly say their enthusiasm to greet newcomers is both endearing and heart-warming, everyone is made to feel welcome regardless of age, sex or impairment.”

Among the many individuals to be recognised was Mike Marshall, nominated by Ruishton and Thornfalcon Parish Council for giving over forty years of unwavering dedication and service to the Ruishton community.

Their citation said: “His steadfast commitment, leadership, and tireless efforts have profoundly enriched the lives of residents, fostering a spirit of unity and progress. Mike's contributions are a testament to his enduring devotion and altruism.”

There were 48 award winners in total including a posthumous honour for former Somerset Council, Somerton Town Council, and South Somerset District Council member Dean Ruddle, who was nominated by Somerton Town Council.

The citation said: “A well-respected colleague, formidable advocate of Somerton and truly remarkable man. He had an abundance of energy and enthusiasm, giving endless time in support of Somerton. A wonderful and kind man. His guidance, advice, knowledge and encouragement are sorely missed.

“His knowledge of Somerton was encyclopaedic. Described as “Mr Somerton” truly reflects how passionate he was about the town, how committed to ensuring the voices of Somerton residents were heard. He was approachable, forthright and committed to resolving issues, this is reflected in the heavy loss felt by so many at his sudden passing.”

The nine recipients who were unable to attend on the night will be visited by Cllr Best who will personally present their awards.

Cllr Best said: “We are fortunate to have so many people in Somerset who work hard on behalf of others in their town, parish or city. Every recipient has made a real difference to their communities and the awards ceremony is a small way of saying thank you.

“It’s so rewarding and humbling to read the citations for these awards. Our community heroes do so much for others, never expecting to be rewarded for their efforts so it’s a privilege to thank them on behalf of the Council.”

The full list of awards is as follows.

South Somerset area.

  • Crewkerne Community Kitchen
  • Merilea Reid – Aller
  • Lisa Bartlett – East Coker
  • Sally Horwood and Peggy Langdon - Ash
  • Linda Simonite- Brympton
  • Roger Kerrison – Ilminster
  • Peter Gregory – Broadway
  • Tony and Helen Manfield – Tintinhull
  • John Casebourne – Curry Rivel
  • Paul Bradly – Misterton
  • Fivehead Fixers
  • Steve Chapman – Lopen
  • Ally and Simon Dore and Angie Roberton – Compton Dundon
  • Cowleaze Volunteers – Shepton Beauchamp
  • Stoke sub Hamdon Sports and Recreation Trust
  • Barwick and Stoford Litter Picking Group
  • Dean Ruddle – Somerton  (posthumous)

Mendip area.

  • Vickie Watts – Coleford
  • Shannon Brooke – Selwood
  • John Heath – Wells
  • Jaqueline Elliott – Evercreech
  • Sally Foster - Nunney
  • Janet Harvey – Berkley
  • David Atkins – Street
  • Terry Webb – Shepton Mallet
  • Ian Tucker - Glastonbury

Sedgemoor area

  • Andrew Laken – Axbridge
  • Chatty Hour Tuesdays - Lympsham
  • Derek Buller- Fiddington
  • The Marion Evered Trust – Over Stowey
  • Stogursey News
  • Liz Brown – Otterhampton
  • Our Highbridge 

West Somerset and Taunton area.

  • John Lewis - Taunton.
  • Mike Marshall - Ruishton.
  • Richard Holland – Staple Fitzpaine.
  • Alan Hall – West Monkton.
  • Kevin Sully – Dunster.
  • Mandy Bool – Fitzhead.
  • Paul Hart – Neroche.
  • Kingston St Mary Village Hall Committee.
  • Ian Aldridge – Watchet and Williton.
  • Jenny Barker – Dulverton.
  • Ian Duncan – Old Cleeve.
  • Andrea Gibbs – Churchstanton.
  • Graham Gleed – Stoke St Gregory.
  • Charles Cudlip – Creech St Michael.
  • David Patterson - Wiveliscombe.