Taunton Civic Awards For Somerset Freemasons

Taunton Town Council held their Annual Town Meeting at The Brewhouse Theatre on the 24th March. As a finale to the evening, The Mayor of Taunton – Councillor Martin Straus – hosted and presented Civic Awards to around thirty individual and organisations that have, in the view of Councillors, gone above and beyond for the County Town and its residents.

Councillor Martin is a Somerset Freemason, a member of Tablers Lodge, Ilminster and has supported bringing his civic Mayoral role and Taunton Freemasonry together during his year in Office, particularly through a recent lunch event recently held at Taunton’s Masonic Hall; Assistant Provincial Grand Master Russ Woodland represented the Province at this lunch event.

It was a lovely surprise to attend the Civic Awards and find two other Taunton Freemasons also receiving an award; not only Taunton Freemasons but also members of Emergency Services Lodge. Simon Johnson, Ed Cullen and Andy Newland were all called up on stage to be presented their Certificates.

Simon is pictured (above left) along with his co-award recipient Mark Owen; between them they are responsible for locking the gates to Vivary Park, Taunton every single evening, including on Christmas Day night. Andy Newland is pictured (above right) receiving his certificate from Martin, having been commended for his valued support to the Civic Office, providing guidance with dedication, professionalism, and commitment.

Finally and a highlight of the evening, Ed Cullen not only received a certificate for recognition of his outstanding service to Taunton, supporting the Armed Forces and fostering community spirit, civic pride, and local enterprise but he was also awarded the first ever Taunton Cup in acknowledgement of his commitment to Taunton Armed Forces Day, veterans’ breakfasts and frankly a lot of other positive things.

Ed is pictured above receiving the Taunton Cup from Councillor Martin.

Report by: Andy Newland – Emergency Services Comms Officer