VAL Hammond – chair of Trustees at the Taunton Brewhouse theatre – has been presented with a prestigious award and caught up with a famous old friend.

Theatre leader Val was awarded a Civic Award by Taunton Town Council in recognition of her dedication to arts and culture in the county town.

Val said: “I’m thrilled to receive a Civic Award for my work with Taunton Brewhouse.

“Of course, the Brewhouse is so much more than one person and I accept this award with heartfelt thanks to all those with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside over the past 15 years – the staff, the volunteers – many from the earliest days, fellow trustees of the charity, as well as our marvellous patrons and supporters who together make it possible to keep live theatre in our town. Long may it continue.”

The Civic Awards, held as part of Taunton’s Annual Town Meeting, celebrate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.

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The tradition began during the town’s inaugural Annual Town Meeting, providing an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of those who have positively shaped the town’s future.

Awards pay tribute to individuals whose efforts demonstrate pride in Taunton and a commitment to making it a vibrant and thriving place to live, work, and visit.

“Val’s recognition is a testament to her tireless work supporting and enhancing the arts community in Taunton,” a Brewhouse spokesperson said.

“As one of the founding members of Taunton Brewhouse, she has played a pivotal role in establishing the venue as a cultural and artistic hub for the town and its residents.

Taunton Brewhouse executive director Vickie Robbis collected the Civic Award on Val’s behalf from Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Vanessa Garside

“Under her leadership as chair of Trustees, and supported by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and board members, the theatre has flourished, providing a rich and diverse programme that continues to inspire and entertain the local community.

“Val’s dedication has ensured the venue not only thrives artistically but also plays a vital role in strengthening the town’s cultural identity.”

In 2024, to celebrate National Volunteers Week, she was awarded the High Sheriff Award in recognition of her valuable service to the county.

In addition to her recent achievements, Val recently enjoyed a memorable reunion with The Great British Bake Off star, Dame Prue Leith, who visited the venue for an intimate talk hosted by author and broadcaster Matt Stadlen.

Val and Dame Prue previously worked together in the late 1980s at Ashridge in Buckinghamshire, where Val was director of research, and Prue served as a trustee.

Their professional paths continued to cross when both were appointed as Board Members of Kingshurst City Technology College, an educational institution near Solihull aimed at raising academic standards.

The pair also shared a connection through the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), where Dame Prue became chair in the early 1990s. Val had been involved with the organisation since the 1960s, contributing to research, chairing education committees, and establishing localised groups — including in Taunton.