Alfred Jewel Awards

Mrs Joan Clifford

Joan has been a member of the WI for many years, most of the time as President. Her leadership has enabled many to enjoy the benefits of the group. The change from an evening to afternoon meetings, which is a great success, was her idea; it enables those who feel unsafe at night to join the activities, which means they are making contact with other like-minded ladies, which is very important to those who live on their own.

Over the years, Joan has been very involved in the walking group and previously organised their social calendar and now she supports her husband is the group’s Chairman.

For many years Joan assisted the North Petherton Carnival’s collecting co-ordinator where her help and organisation skills were greatly appreciated.

Mrs Alison Greenslade

Alison is receiving this award because of her longstanding Voluntary service to North Newton.

Apart from starting out with our youngest members of village with North Newton Playgroup Alison was jointly responsible for creating North Newtons first Breakfast Club, which was held within the primary school. A truly vital resource for working parents with our community.

Alisons role with The Breakfast Club was Secretary which she continued to hold until her daughters left North Newton Primary School to attend Queen’s College in Taunton.

Alison was ,,,encouraged,,! To come along to a Village Hall meeting one evening in 2006 where she was promptly recruited as Secretary, which she continued to di for many years.

During this time Alison was responsible for working forward with so much paperwork to help the village hall achieve The Hallmark accreditation, not once, but twice.

Alison also picked up the baton to sort out the longstanding issue of The Village Hall Car Park Boundary.

Dealing with deeds, Land Registry and Solicitors.

So many hours, months and years dedicated to the cause, all voluntarily.

The Village Hall are forever grateful to Alison for these things.

Although Alison is no longer a member of the committee, she continues to volunteer her time for anything she can help with that The Village Hall is running. Be it bars, waitressing, setting up the hall for events. Alison loves a Christmas Event.

Alison supports ALL village events whenever possible and holds her family celebrations within the village too.

She also supports and attends the village ladies Group. And volunteered help wherever she could during Covid.

Alison is a very enthusiastic active member of the village and is a truly dedicated North Newtonian

Mr Norman Habberfield

Norman is a total stalwart to the village of North Newton.

Always offering help wherever he can without the need to be asked.

Norman has held the position of Treasurer on North Newton Village Hall committee for 30 years and can be seen turning his hand to all Village Hall tasks. Be it serving at the bar, helping in the kitchen, waiting on tables and pouring a great cup of tea at any social event.

He is often the last to leave after the hall holds an event because he stays behind to pack up the hall and clear up.

Norman helps with the annual Flower Show, despite not being on the committee.

Moving tables and chairs from the Village Hall to the Church Grounds for The Flower Show and running a stall. He also mows the grass for the vehicle show in the field.

Norman volunteers his time and vintage tractor and trailer for the annual primary school leavers event.

Giving the children a photo opportunity sitting on his tractor before giving the leavers a ride around the village en route to their leaver’s celebration at North Newton Primary School. A school he himself attended.

Later on, older children are transported to their Proms in the bigger tractor. Once he even did this did in a full Tuxedo.

Norman also transports Brides and their Bridesmaids to St Peters in North Newton foe their weddings. Transporting Bride and Groom then on to a local reception in needed.

His dedication to decorating the trailer from the farm hedgerows is evident for all to see.

During the 2014 extreme floods Norman assisted the Army with moving Sandbags with his tractor at Chadmead. Helping to keep the flood water out of peoples homes.

Norman has also cleared blocked ditches voluntarily to relieve localised flooding and helped with tree maintenance to keep larger traffic flowing in the area. Also moving fallen trees from lanes that have come down in the storms.

Norman enjoys skittling with his local team. He also very much enjoys vintage match ploughing competitions. Often coming home with a prize for ploughing or provender.

But, above all Norman farms his beloved Bankland Farm with all the dedication that was shown by his forebears.

He also farms my land for me and ‘what would I do without him’

I’ve known Norman all his life so feel I speak honestly of him.

Well Done, Norman, you definitely deserve this award.

Mr Mondi Khumalo

Mr Nigel Taylor & Mrs Carole Taylor

Nigel and Carole Taylor have been very actively involved on a voluntary basis supporting North Petherton Community Library since 2019, when the library had just been saved from closure by the formation of the councils’ Community Library Partnership and the establishment of the Friends of the library. The Friends of North Petherton Library has flourished from the outset with Nigel as Chair of the committee throughout and Carole recruiting, training and supporting all the volunteers who run the library 2 days a week and provide a range of activities for library users of all ages.

Nigel and Carole are also very “hands-on” with their voluntary work, helping out with all the activities and ever-present in the library. They also quietly help in the background with events organised by the North Petherton Community Centre, including the regular Movie Nights. Away from all those library-focused activities, every Sunday Nigel and Carole go litter-picking around their local area of Wilstock and wider afield around North Petherton. Carole is also closely involved in supporting Bridgwater Hospital’s League of Friends.

Nigel and Carole are therefore such worthy recipients of their Alfred Jewel Award.

Mrs Helen Barham

Helen demonstrates what it really means to be part of a rural community and embraces the belief that what you give, you get back tenfold, the reward being the satisfaction of a job well done.

From being the Child Welfare Officer at the Cricket Club, helping vulnerable people by collecting prescriptions or groceries during Covid, to being part of the Scout executive Helen can be found in the midst of everything that is going on.

Helen has helped maintain the churchyard, gets her wellies on to help keep watercourses clear of weeds to help prevent flooding, raised money for defibrillators and organised street parties and celebration events.

If someone needs help Helen is there and she is totally committed to everything she does.

Mrs Janet Bradford

Janet has tirelessly devoted herself to her local community in many ways and for many years.

Janet contributes the committees of North Newton and Thurloxton Flower Shows, and is Treasurer to the latter. Janet is a member of the North Newton Parochial Church Council and, until its demise, earlier this year, Janet organised helpers delivering The Church Link in North Newton and it’s surrounding villages undertaking some of the monthly deliveries herself using the time to converse and offer assistance to the recipients.

Janet also belongs to the North Petherton-Ceauce Twinning Association.

In addition to all the very local activities Janet contributes to, she also finds time to , be the Deputy Chair and Treasurer of the Mid Somerset Rheumatoid Group and has been involved for over 10 years supporting others with this condition.

Mrs Jenny Manners

Jenny is an absolute asset to the community.

Jenny has been a volunteer charity trustee and committee member at North Petherton Community Centre for many years and has taken a leading role in modernising the Centre’s administration processes and updating policies and procedures with the aim of improving the Hallmark rating.

Jenny runs the popular, weekly Wobbly Walkers parent and toddler group including doing the fundraising to help provide materials to entertain the children and help them flourish.

Jenny is also the Secretary of the Sir Thomas Wroth Charity and the Cheeke and Stodgell Education Foundation which support North Petherton young people with their continuing education.

Continuing with the education and young people theme, Jenny is actively involved with the PTA Somerset Bridge Primary School especially with the school uniform swap shop.

Mrs Jane Anthony

Jane had a long career in education and following her retirement she was introduced to the role of secretary to two charities being The Cheeke and Stodgell Educational Trust and the Wroth Charity which has its income from land donated by Sir Thomas Wroth on whose land the Alfred Jewel was found in 1693.

Jane epitomised the role of Secretary for the trusts and did a great deal of work adapting the trusts procedures to the revised Charity Commission format; she always had all the information required to hand when meetings were held to discuss the grants to be made to students and apprentices and the way in which Jane performed her role was the model of diplomatic efficiency.

Adrienne Parry & Penny Parker

Mrs. Adrienne Parry has been involved in Guiding for over twenty years initially as a Browne Guide Assistant, and now as Brownie Guide Leader responsible for all meetings and activities, collection of subscriptions, while keeping the district commissioner and the parents fully informed of the activities.

Adrienne has also gained her Pack Holiday License and has since taken her pack away for a “Holiday” every year.

Adrienne has also been active in raising funds and awareness for Bladder cancer charities, all while working full time for Somerset Council.

Mrs. Penny Parker has been in Guiding for over twenty years first as a Brownie Guide Assistant and has now achieved the position of Guide Leader and is responsible for all the meetings and activities. With up to forty brownies attending meetings, there is immense amount of background administration to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that both the guide commissioners and the parents are kept fully informed of the individual brownie’s progress.

Penny has worked hard for the welfare of her charges including, gaining first aid certificates and has taken the brownies on many camp holidays of two to seven days in length. Penny works full in the NHS and yet still manages to do so much for the young girls in her care.

Mrs Moira Cook

Mr Philip Chidgey

Mr Edmund Ryan

Mrs Jean & Mr Brian Turner

Councillor Marion Denham

Councillor Marion Denham, was made an Honorary Freeman of North Petherton for her tireless service to the community, supporting the young, old and vulnerable over many years.

Mr Phil Jarman

Phil Jarman, manager of Bridgwater Foodbank, chairman of the East Quantoxhead Probus Club and a church warden.

Mr William Frost

William Frost, chairman of North Petherton Rugby Club since 2008, was presented with an award for his commitment to the club, leading it to success on and off the field, including securing more than £300,000 of funding for a new community gym at the club.

Mrs Jean and Mr Ron Brooks

Jean and Ron Brooks were recognised for their fantastic fundraising and dedication to supporting St Peter’s Church.

Mr Damian Baker

Damian Baker, Cllr Linda Hyde said as manager of Tesco Express, he had made the store into a friendly hub of the community instead of a faceless corporate store. Mr Baker also was a key figure in the Friends of North Petherton Library group helping preserve the facility in North Petherton, a played a big role in organising events as a member of North Petherton Primary School PTA.

Mr Phillip West

Phillip West was presented an award for his work helping numerous village fetes, and giving up his time when needed to support the community in Wilstock and Stockmoor. Cllr Lucinda Spielman-Ives said she was delighted the council were acknowledging his contribution.

Miss Freya Bult

The Junior Achievement Award was presented to North Newton Primary School pupil Freya Bult, who won a national competition about climate change, designing a water irrigation system which would be powered by solar cells to be used in Zimbabwe.

Mr John Evans & Mrs Tracy Evans, North Petherton

Mrs Jacqueline Hopkins, North Petherton

Mrs Ann Guerin, North Newton

Mrs Anne Woolacott, Moorland

Mr Roger Sellick & Mrs Lorna Sellick, North Newton

Mrs Bridget Goodland, North Newton

Mr Lloyd Williams, North Petherton

Mr Steve White, North Newton

Mr Christopher John Lang, Moorland

Mrs Judie Brown, North Newton

Ms Sally Vize, Moorland

Mr Peter Farnell, North Petherton

Mr Gordon Fraser, North Newton

Mrs Leila Nicholson, North Petherton

Mr Gordon Stone & Mrs Sue Stone

Mr Gordon Stone and Mrs Sue Stone of North Petherton for their service to St Peter’s Church.

Mrs Carol Pearson

Carol Pearson for her dedication over a number of years to Cafe Connect

Mr Jim Baker

Jim Baker of Moorland for helping those in desperate need during the flooding of 2014

Mr Graham Marson and Mrs Margaret Marson

Graham and Margaret Marson of North Petherton for their involvement for over 20 years with the Pentathlon Carnival Club and other local groups

Mr Keith Lowe

Mr Keith Lowe of North Newton for his long service to the Newt Festival.

Mr Josh Cook

The Mayor’s Award for Young People was this year presented to Josh Cook of North Petherton for his dedication to helping youngsters in the area become involved in sport, particularly cricket.

Mr Mark Barham

Mr Jeff Collingwood and Mrs Janet Collingwood

Mr Edward Florey

Mr Nigel Coram

Mr Chris Whitcombe & Mrs Val Whitcombe

Mrs Cynthia Chappell

Mrs Heather Whittle

Heather Whittle, co-founder of Connect North Petherton, who also runs the monthly Cafe Connect.

Heather was co-founder of Connect North Petherton some nine years ago.

Connect provides a service to everyone in North Petherton who need to be connected to local authority services, Police and local welfare services.

It also provides links to solicitors and the Town Council.

In its first year Connect “signposted” some 740 individuals connecting them to services they needed but often did not know existed.

Heather also runs Cafe Connect to provide nutritional lunches at very low cost, the Cafe also provides an opportunity for people to meet socially.

Heather was the professional drive behind the organisation using skills and contacts she developed in North Somerset Social Services.

Mrs Angela Martin

Angela is a stalwart, albeit a quiet one, of North Newton. For many years she has quietly assisted with the work of the church through her kindness and compassion.

She is faithful in prayer for the many in the village who ask for prayer through the prayer board. She volunteers faithfully to help with events such as the much appreciated coffee morning.

Angela is present when we welcome the school children to the church for educational projects or services and assists admirably.

Her card making skills are put to good use and she offers her time and resources generously to the great enjoyment of the children at Mothering Sunday each year.

Recently she has undertaken a role in refurbishing the church hall. She produces beautiful displays to grace the walls often containing photographs of recent events.

Mrs Linda Lowndes

Linda Lowndes, organiser of the church produce show and monthly coffee mornings in North Newton.

Linda has, for many years, masterminded and run a monthly coffee morning for older residents of North Newton. It is very well attended and very popular.

Every year Linda provides a full Christmas lunch for the same residents.

Linda is the main organiser of the Church Produce Show which is held in August. She works tirelessly for this. It is well supported and makes an important contribution to village life.

Mr Warwick Fookes-Bale

Warwick Fookes-Bale, treasurer of Moorland Parochial Church Council and secretary of Moorland Club.

Since moving to Fordgate in the 90’s Warwick has thrown himself into the local groups, supporting fundraising and helping on a practical level whenever needed. He is always willing to lend a hand and is always one of those left at the end to clear up. He has been a member of the Church of St Peter and St John in Moorland since 1992 where he undertakes many functions to do with cleaning and maintenance. He has been a member of the Parochial Church Council for several years and Treasurer for 13 years. He was secretary of the Moorland Club for a number of years and is an active member of the Moors Garden Club. Never one to advertise his actions, he carries on quietly in the background getting things done.

Mr Andrew Hinkley

Andrew Hinkley, church organist and choirmaster at St Mary’s Church, North Petherton, for 50 years.

Andrew is marking his 50th anniversary as organist and choir master at St Mary’s this year. We pay tribute to him and thank him for this achievement which speaks of his commitment to music and the way it enhances worship at St Mary’s.

He gives freely of his time to play for worship at Moorland Church.

He has brought joy to many wedding couples, to baptisms and his music has brought comfort to the bereaved.

Andrew spreads much joy when he plays at concerts whether on his own or as an accompanist to others.

As Choirmaster he has assisted many of the choristers to realise their potential and achieve various awards offered by the Royal School of Church Music.

Mr Brian Turner

Brian has served the Community Centre very well for more than five years and has devoted his retirement years to serving the Centre not only as a Trustee and Management Committee member but also as the voluntary Facilities Manager.

The Centre is an extensive property which requires regular maintenance. Brain has consistently met the challenge of undertaking the upkeep of the building and has, over the years saved the management committee many thousands of pounds.

He has given his time and expertise freely and has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the Centre through difficult times.

Mrs Dora Hinkley

Dora has been Churchwarden at The Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin for some years.

It is an honorary role but a demanding one. The responsibility for the day to day care of this medieval building falls to her and she does an excellent job ensuring that the regular maintenance, both internal and external happens according to plan.

Dora has also worked hard on securing grant for repairs to the roof this year and brought in about £119,000 so far.

Dora is one of those unsung heroes who make sure that the Church is in good order for the people of North Petherton.

Mrs Jean Coles

Jean moved to North Petherton in 1966 joining the Congregational Chapel and helped there until joining North Petherton Church in 1985.

She helps at every event but always behind the scenes. She is always baking and her pastry is legendry.

She can usually be found in the kitchen at any event quietly washing up and clearing away.

She also helps at the Community Centre with lunches for Café Connect

Jean provides the half time tea and bisquits for the North Newton Whist drives which raises funds for the Village hall.

She is an excellent team player and is always looking after other people.

Jean never seeks the limelight and has worked hard for her local community for nearly fifty years.

Mr Clive Williams

Clive Williams was born in North Petherton and has lived there all his life. He has been a member of North Petherton RFU for many years and at one time was team captain.

Clive was instrumental in encouraging many young people to join the club

In more recent times Clive energetically promoted North Petherton Cricket Club and as Chairman he organised the move to a new site at the old Heathfield allotments.

He was the driving force in the financing and building of the pavilion.

Mrs Carol Spencer

Carol Spencer has, since moving to North Petherton, been an active member of the community who has never stinted in her devotion to North Petherton.

Carol has been active in the Girlguiding movement for many years and for the past twelve years she has been Guider in Charge. During this time she has led many young girls to become confident young ladies who excel in all they do.

She has been Divisional Commissioner for Bridgwater and has brought many exciting events to North Petherton.

Every year she takes Brownies away to camp and in addition to the local Guides has given assistance to the Polden Hills and Bridgwater Guides.

Mr Lionel Bagg

Mr Richard Symonds

Richard moved to Moorland with his family in 1988. One of the first clubs he joined was the Badminton Club, and very shortly after joining the club, he took responsibility for running the club, a position he maintains to this day.

During these 23 years, more than 120 players of all ages and abilities have joined Richard to play Badminton in the Moorland Village Hall. Some have played for a week or two, but many have stayed and played for far longer. Keen to encourage the youngsters to try badminton, it is a source of great pride to Richard that players who started when they were teenagers, and living with their parents in the Village, continue to come to the club today, even though they have young families of their own and no longer live in the village. Today Richard is joined by both his sons, who are also keen players.

The club meets weekly throughout the year on a Tuesday evening, and is always looking for players who want to play badminton socially. During the time that Richard has run the club the hire charges for the Village Hall amount to a sum in excess of 10,000; a significant income for the Village Hall.

Richard spent 7 years as Chairman of the Village Hall Committee, leading them to several awards in the Best Run Village Hall competition organized by the Community Council for Somerset.

Perhaps his greatest achievement whilst Chairman was the planning and installation of the new heating system, with the benefit of grants from the National Lottery and Lloyds Bank, and generous donations from the Village.

Anyone that can recall the miserable winter when we tried to heat the hall with fan heaters, and kept our coats on during meetings will remain grateful for the warmth.

Richard is a trustee of the Sir Thomas Wroth Charity, which offers grants to young people who are starting their careers in a trade or profession, or who are continuing their education.

Richard also works behind the scenes to support Kate, his wife, (a previous recipient of the Alfred Jewel Award) in her many activities particularly for the annual produce show organized by the Garden Club.

Mr David Dickinson & Mrs Ann Dickinson

Over many years David and Ann have walked, on a daily basis, along the Bridgwater and Taunton canal. On these walks they have collected litter from the towpath. There is no doubt that their litter picking activities have been of great service to the canal and have enhanced the pleasure of all people that use this area by keeping it clean and tidy.

Sue Sayer

Mrs Sue Sayer has over the years been an active member of the Northmoor Green Parent Teacher Association, the village toddlers group. Mrs Sayer was an very active secretary of the Moorland and Fordgate Village Hall for many years. Mrs Sayer by her determination and drive made sure that the hall continued through a lean period to the ultimate advantage of our community.

Mrs Sayer is secretary of the Moorland PCC and she also the administrator for King Alfred Benefice Committee. In all these roles she as acted with determination and drive to the total benefit of the Moorland and Fordgate Community. She has always put the needs of others and community before self.

Martyn Wratten

Martyn Wratten moved to North Petherton in 1995 to begin his Retirement Ministry as Honorary Assistant Priest in North Petherton and Northmoor Green and subsequently in the extended Alfred Jewel Benefice.

From 1996 to 2003 he was a volunteer at St. Margaret’s Hospice providing occasional Chaplaincy cover and acting as a receptionist at weekends.

Martyn was President, them Chairman of North Petherton Good Companions Club from 1996 until its closure in 2005. he was also a member of East Quantock Probus Club serving as Vice President, President and Past President until 2007, he now serves as Publicity Officer for the club.

He has been a member of North Petherton Poetry Group since 1998 and now serves as Convenor.

Martyn was an active member of North Petherton Men’s Walking Club until its closure and is now a member of North Petherton Walkers. He regards his membership of these groups as providing a ministry of presence.

John Field

John Field has devoted much of his time and energy to the local community in a quiet and unassuming manner. He lived in North Petherton for many years before moving to Moorland. Whilst living in North Petherton he was a staunch supporter of the carnival being involved both in the street collection and the judging.

John was a Governor of North Petherton Infants School for over 30 years and helped to guide the school to its successful amalgamation with the junior school. He was also a Governor of Robert Blake School for many years and contributed greatly to the management of the school.

He is always willing to be involved in fund raising to support local needs including throwing open his house to help support the activity.

He is known in Moorland as someone who will always lend a hand, which has involved driving elderly residents to various places, shopping for people who cannot get out, in fact anything that involves helping people he will be there.

Mr Alan Coram

Alan Coram – for his dedicated community service over many years – which included building the village cricket pavilion, carrying out work on the village hall and acting as chief marshal to North Petherton Carnival.

Mr & Mrs Newcombe

Mr & Mrs Hucker

Mrs Kate Symonds

Mrs M Slocombe

Mrs Margaret Lock

Margaret Lock was born and bred locally and her birth spanned two local farming families between North Newton and Moorland, both of whom have been known for their community spirit and in Margaret that spirit has continued

She was a founder member of the successful Pentathlon Carnival Club which began in 1971. She spent the first 10 years participating on the float and then devoted her time backstage to being make-up artist and an active Club fundraiser.

Also around that time she started the Moorland Ladies Skittle team and has captained them every since. She has taught many a local lass the art of aiming true and straight at the landlord.

Her organisational skills have always meant she is the first thought in most peoples’ minds when any local event needs help. She has been a stalwart of the Harvest Supper in Moorland for many years which has successfully raised a great deal of money for the Church. In fact anyone organising a local event that needs support will inevitably call on Margaret for help and advice.

Amongst her most recent voluntary services, she drives the older members of our community to a special luncheon club at Stoke St Gregory, so they can get out and enjoy the company of others.

Mr Bill Hudson

Mr & Mrs Briggs

Mrs Mollie Fooks-Bale

Mr Alan Waterjohns

Alan Waterjohn has been a member of North Petherton Cricket Club since he was a teenager, following in his father’s footsteps he became First team captain for many years and remains one of the highest scorers of runs, and leading wicket takers in the league in which North Petherton play.

He is honoured for his services to the club for over 40 years service, especially for his leadership in the groundwork required for any cricket club, having taken a course in groundmanship at Lords cricket ground he has been instrumental not only in the move to the current ground at Heathfield Park, but also in the move to North Petherton Rugby Club before that and ensuring that the new ground has been prepared to the highest standard.

With the arrival of the junior teams this has meant a great deal of the work has had to be done as and when the weather permitted and in between the practice sessions and the actual games being played on other wickets.

He has for many years also helped with wise advice and always stepped in to help whether with fund raising or assisting the committee. Although retired from playing the game over ten years ago, he remains the fixtures secretary and has been for over twenty years, and has been granted the rarely given Honoury Life Membership of the Club.

Alan’s life aside from cricket has been one of quiet generosity and he has always given unsparingly of his time and building expertise to St Mary’s Church who have felt able to call upon him in times of emergency as well as for more considered advice. The Church has also benefited from his quietly given practical skills, whether it is in repairing the leaded windows or in repair of the pathways.