Beaminster Honorary Townsperson Award 2024
On Friday, 12th April, a ceremony was held in Beaminster Town Hall to celebrate the Honorary Townsperson Award 2024.
The Beaminster ‘Honorary Townsperson’ award goes back several decades, with the earliest record on our board in the Town Hall dating back to 1991, bestowed to Norman C Welsford MBE and Cecil E Tolman.
The honour is given by the town council to a person nominated for his/her significant and lasting contribution to the life of Beaminster and to the wellbeing of its residents.
It was unusual to receive four nominations in 2024, however all were very worthy recipients of the award. They are:
Mr Chris Turner – Chris has been a long serving member of Beaminster Town Council and was Chairman for 7 years. He has been the driving force behind setting up and the operation of the CB3 Community Bus Service, offering a vital link between Bridport and Crewkerne via Beaminster on Saturdays. He has also been, and still is, a volunteer driver for the hospital car service operating from the town and for many years, alongside his late wife Janet, was involved with the Drama Club and the Playgroup.
Speech by Mr John Snow
Ms Paula Tuff – Paula has been supporting the youth of Beaminster for many years in her role as a youth worker, dedicating her time to youngsters and their families, and was instrumental in setting up and now helping to run the Prout Bridge Project.
Speech by Wendy Wallbridge
Mr Peter Brook – Peter has had a long involvement with a number of organisations within Beaminster including the Beaminster Festival, St Mary’s Church, Abbeyfield and Royal British Legion.
Speech by Mr John Watts
Mr John Groves – John held the position of Treasurer and Secretary of the Beaminster Charities for 55 years. His role included coordinating, organising and distributing Christmas hampers to those in need. He also held positions with the Football and Cricket Clubs and he had an involvement in many other projects in the town.
Speech by Rev David Baldwin
Very sadly, John Groves passed away within a few weeks of being informed he would be a recipient of the Honorary Townsperson award. His son Ian attended the event on Friday evening and received the scroll on behalf of his late father.
The presentation was attended by family and friends of the four recipients alongside past Honorary Townspersons or their surviving family, current Chairman of Beaminster Town Council, Craig Monks, and the High Sheriff of Dorset, Mr Anthony Woodhouse.
