This year’s Community Awards were announced by the Parish Council on Wednesday 24th April at the Annual Parish Meeting held at Cheddar Community Pavilion. During the evening the Chairman, Derek Bradley-Balmer gave a summary of a busy year for the parish. Attendees also listened to presentations from last year’s grant recipients who each provided an update of their respective projects sharing how the funding was used. The evening ended with the announcement of this year’s Community Award winners, a celebration of outstanding service to the Parish of Cheddar with the winners receiving their awards from the Chairman. The very worthy winners were:
Adrian & Sandi Male – for their outstanding commitment in leading health walks in Cheddar
Adrian has been leading Cheddar Health Walks for many years. The Health Walks benefit those people who want to start doing some gentle and enjoyable exercise. The Walks are a vital service for people who may live on their own, for whom, when they shut the door on Friday may not see or speak to anyone until Monday.
Having now undertaken the Walk Leader training herself, Sandi is keen to introduce a new group so that people who really struggle with their mobility are included in this initiative. It is well known that physical activity is vital for health of body and mind, and that the greatest effect is seen in those people that do little or none. Their dedication, kindness and enthusiasm continues to help the people of Cheddar, one step at a time!
Chris Masters – for his contribution to youth and adult sports development across the Cheddar Valley
Chris is an extremely committed, loyal and hardworking volunteer for both Cheddar Valley Rugby Football club and Banwell and Churchill Cricket Club. He espouses the values of the games and has inspired a generation of future sportsmen. Whether it be mowing the pitch, coaching a team, refereeing a match or playing himself, Chris’s dedication is unsurpassed. He is the ultimate clubman ensuring sport continues to flourish across the Cheddar Valley supporting countless generations and is truly deserving of formal recognition by the community.
There are very many people, old and young, male and female who have been encouraged and mentored by Chris and taught the values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship and will most likely bestow that ethos onto their children. Chris’ contribution to youth and adult development across the Cheddar Valley has been quite simply, awesome.
John Pimblott on behalf of The Space Team – that give so much of their time for local children and young people
John has been instrumental in the formation of many groups in Cheddar and under the heading of Cheddar Community Partnership created ‘The Space’ after identifying the need for help with the mental health and well being of young people. This has grown hugely, now operating in local schools and through social media. A truly huge undertaking. The Space continues to thrive thanks to an extremely dedicated team of people, this award recognises them all.
Rosa Kell – for her work in achieving the resumption of the 126 bus service for Cheddar
When the announcement was made that the 126 bus service was to stop, many residents lost a vital lifeline. Rosa worked tirelessly for all communities along the route attending countless meetings with Somerset Bus Partnership, Somerset Council and the West of England Authority to ensure the 126 remains on the agenda and has constantly highlighted how important the bus service is for so many. Rosa has also raised the importance of a bus service to the businesses and commercial organisations involved in the tourist industry which is of major importance to Cheddar. From January 2024 the 126 bus service from Wells to Weston resumed, and Rosa continues to work to keep this high on the agenda.
Huge congratulations to them all and a big thank you on behalf of the people of Cheddar.
Picture:
Back row (L-R) John Pimblott on behalf of The Space Team, Adrian Male, Derek Bradley-Balmer (Chairman, Cheddar Parish Council), Chris Masters
Front row (L-R) Sandi Male, Rosa Kell