DOZENS of community heroes from across Somerset have been recognised for their unstinting service.

A special event at Taunton Rugby Club saw Councillor Mike Best hand out Somerset Council Chair Awards to dozens of county community stalwarts for their efforts.

Cllr Best, the recipients and their guests were joined by deputy leader of the council, Cllr Liz Leyshon, to receive their gongs after being nominated by town and parish councils from across Somerset.

Among those on the list of honours was Chatty Hour Tuesdays, nominated by Lympsham Parish Council.

“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,” the citation said.

“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.”

Individuals recognised included Mike Marshall, nominated by Ruishton and Thornfalcon Parish Council for giving more than 40 years of service to the Ruishton community.

“His steadfast commitment, leadership, and tireless efforts have profoundly enriched the lives of residents, fostering a spirit of unity and progress,” the citation said.

“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.”

Dean Ruddle – known as ‘Mr Somerton’ -was honoured posthumously

The nine recipients who were unable to attend on the night will be visited by Cllr Best who will 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 Somerset Council Chair Award recipients is:

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

Ian Tucker was honoured for his work in 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