Midsomer Norton Town Council Celebrates Community Spirit at Annual Town Meeting and Civic Awards
Midsomer Norton Town Council held its Annual Town Meeting and Civic Awards last night (Tuesday 29th April 2025) at Welton Rovers, West Clewes, North Road. The event, which saw a remarkable turnout from the local community, was a resounding success.
Doors opened at 6:00pm, with the Annual Town Meeting commencing at 6:30pm. Residents had the opportunity to hear updates on various town projects, discuss community issues, and engage directly with council members. The meeting featured comprehensive reports from the Mayor, who provided valuable insights into the town’s progress and future plans.
The Mayor also introduced several of the years grant recipients including Anji Henderson from SWAN Transport, Dom Chambers from Somer Valley FM and Alex Davis from Midsomer Norton Community Trust, who also spoke on behalf of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Rugby Club.
After the Annual Town meeting attendees enjoyed refreshments and music from local band The Pix, before the highlight of the evening – the 2025 Civic Awards.
These awards recognise outstanding contributions to the community by individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to Midsomer Norton.
The winners of the Civic Awards 2025 are:
- Young Person of the Year for under 25s:
George Barley-Lockett for undertaking a six week sponsored litter pick with his family, cleaning up the streets of Midsomer Norton and raising nearly £200 for local charity Time Is Precious.
- Person of the Year for over 25s:
Michelle Noel for being an outstanding neighbour to many people in Midsomer Norton, caring for people’s dogs or pets if they are ill or in hospital, shopping for the housebound, and helping those who need support.
- Lifetime Achievement Award:
Steve Plumley for working tirelessly for Midsomer Norton for many years, being a Town Councillor for more than a decade and volunteering with the Community Trust since it began.
- Community Youth Group of the Year:
Midsomer Norton Swimming Squads at Team Bath AS for providing an opportunity for new swimmers to train weekly guiding them from their first competition to National and International levels.
- Community Group of the Year:
Rotary Club for service in the community to bring about positive change, engaging with young people, the elderly and disabled, and providing great opportunities for people to socialise and be actively involved in our local community.
- Community Volunteers of the Year:
Greenway Bin Volunteers who give up their time to empty the bins along the Greenway.
- Mayor’s Award:
Club Rock for helping many young people in the area develop their musical and performance skills and expertise, through the work of Performing Arts teachers and specialists within Norton Hill and Somervale Schools.
- Mayor’s Award:
The Pix for making an invaluable contribution to our community through their music performances at community events and local venues and for being the deserving winners of last year’s Battle of the Bands.
- Environmental Award:
Friends of Silver Street Nature Reserve who have been committed and united in preserving and protecting the woodland and all its wildlife and natural habitat for the wellbeing of the local community.
- Sports Achievement of the Year:
Midsomer Norton Rugby Club for winning the Papa Johns Community Cup, winning the league, and the Somerset Vase for a record third time.
Commenting on the evening the Mayor said “the evening was a testament to the vibrant community spirit of Midsomer Norton, celebrating the hard work and dedication of its residents”.
The Town Council would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients and expresses gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success.