A wide range of community groups and individuals were recognised at Midsomer Norton’s Annual Civic Service which took place at a packed St John’s Church on Sunday evening.

Originally started in 2007 by the Midsomer Norton Society, these Awards have developed into an important part of the town’s civic calendar with residents nominating people to the Town Council.

There were Lifetime Achievement Awards for Joan Norman, for community service, Lucy and Jim Edwards for their work on Silver Street Nature Reserve, and Rev Christopher Chiplin, who has served as Vicar of the Parish Church for the last 25 years.

There were Awards recognising work with young people, including Karen Rawles of Playtots and Off the Record’s work providing advice and support. The Community Trust won recognition for the huge success of the Community Cinema, whilst Men’s Sheds and Contact the Elderly were singled out with Awards for their work combatting isolation and loneliness. The Asset Transfer team were also presented with an Award for securing community assets into charitable Trust for future residents to enjoy. Finally, in the field of sports, the Methodist Cricket Club’s seventy years of work and the dynamism of Midsomer Norton Cricket Club were rewarded with trophies.

“All in all, it was a wonderful evening where the town was able yet again to say thank you to all those who work so hard for the community in so many ways, which might so easily go unnoticed. I was particularly pleased to Grant Freedom of the Town to our retiring Mayor, Paul Myers,” said Cllr Michael Evans, Mayor of Midsomer Norton.

The granting of the Freedom of the town is a new Award. Following a citation speech by the new Mayor, which summarised the immense amount of time and effort Paul Myers had put into projects for the town over a ten year period, there was a standing ovation of those gathered in support of the Award.

There was then a presentation of a Freeman’s Sash, with the Town Council’s emblem on, a framed certificate and a medal. Paul Myers said: “I would like to thank the Town Council and the people of the town – it is a great honour to be granted Freedom of the town which I so dearly love and have served for many years. I look forward to continuing to help with the Town Trust, and know that the town is in safe hands with the new Mayor and dedicated team of Councillors elected in May this year.”

Award winners were: Lifetime Achievement: Joan Norman; Lifetime Achievement: Lucy Edwards and Jim Edwards; Lifetime Achievement: Rev. Christopher Chiplin; Business Initiative of the Year: New Release Community Cinema; Youth Group Leader of the Year: Karen Rawles; Community Youth Group of the Year: Off The Record Youth Group; Community Group of the Year: Midsomer Norton Cricket Club; Community Volunteers of the Year – Contact the Elderly; Community Volunteers of the Year – Men’s Shed; Community Project of the Year – Asset Transfer Team (Cllr Steve Plumley, Paul Myers and Town Clerk, Donna Ford); Sports Achievement of the Year – Midsomer Norton Methodist Cricket Club.

Granting Freedom of the Town – Paul Myers, BEM. In recognition of an outstanding commitment to the community of Midsomer Norton over many years; being instrumental in the recreation of the Town Council, being Mayor for eight years, and supporting many local groups and initiatives.