From the launch of the Arts Festival, through to the first Pride Event and culminating with the Civic Service, pride in the town of Midsomer Norton was the theme last weekend.

The weekend was rounded off with the town’s Civic Service – an event which has now become a regular service of community celebration on the nearest Sunday to

Midsummer’s Day each year. Opening with a trumpet fanfare from the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band, as well as a full church service, the Town Council

presented this year’s eleven Midsomer Awards to:

• Lifetime Achievement: Stephen Powell, in recognition of over sixteen years as Co-ordinator of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Community Service Vehicle Trust.

• Lifetime Achievement: Colin Taylor, in recognition of many years of service through the Midsomer Norton Judo Club and the Somer Centre.

• New Community Initiative of the Year: The Midsomer Norton Community Trust M-Fest Committee, in recognition of their efforts to create a new music festival.

• Youth Group of the Year: St John Ambulance Cadets: In recognition of their investment in young people and for their contribution in making numerous community events possible.

• Community Project of the Year: Midsomer Norton Community Trust, for the success of the Community Cinema.

• Sports Achievement: Midsomer Norton Rugby Football Club, in recognition of gaining promotion to the South West Division One for the first time in the club’s

history.

• Volunteer Group of the Year: Swan Volunteer Drivers.

• Business of the Year: Running High Events, for its support to the Midsomer

Norton and District Carnival Association.

• Community Group Achievement of the Year: In Bloom’s eleven ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ groups, on winning the South West In Bloom 2015.

• Community Group of the Year: B&NES Age UK.

• Volunteer of the Year: Annie Davenport, for her arts-related work with

numerous voluntary community groups and activities.

At the end of the ceremony there was a standing ovation as the Town’s Mayor was

presented with the British Empire Medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, having been named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours for his

services to the community.

Ms Maw, who is the Queen’s representative, said: “I feel very honoured to be here amongst you all and your community. Twice a year, the Queen makes a series of awards, with the BEM made in recognition of someone who has served the community in which they live.

“Her Majesty takes a personal interest in each recipient and will be really uplifted by your response. I am proud to have been part of this.”

On receiving the award the Mayor said: “It’s not often I am lost for words, but I will never forget the honour of receiving this recognition from Her Majesty, nor the warmth of the response this evening from the people of the town. Quite frankly, I feel very humbled.”