'Mr Ilfracombe' and a magnificent seven receive awards

IN what Councillor Philip Webb described as one of the most rewarding functions of his tenure as mayor, eight stalwarts of the community were today presented with Pride in Ilfracombe awards in a ceremony that was both humorous and touching. Described as

IN what Councillor Philip Webb described as one of the most rewarding functions of his tenure as mayor, eight stalwarts of the community were today presented with Pride in Ilfracombe awards in a ceremony that was both humorous and touching.

Described as "a legend in our town", Nick Pedlar was presented with a Long Service Award.

Nick and his family, whose High Street shop Pedlar's has been serving the town for generations, is also a great supporter of the local community, sitting on numerous committees and organising local events. A great promoter of the town, the Pride in Ilfracombe panel described him as "Mr Ilfracombe"!

He has always been a huge promoter of the town and as well as a chairman to the High Street Traders Association he has been choirmaster at Holy Trinity Church for more than 30 years.

It was for their Positive Influence on the Community, that Sylvia and Roy Prideaux won their award. Whilst their band The Rockets continues to raise money for local charities and organisations, they also work tirelessly with car boot sales to raise money for good causes.

Mr Webb said they were "a great example of people who put others before themselves."

Exceptional Customer Service is one of the newer categories in the Pride in Ilfracombe awards, and it was a unanimous panel that decided Dave Duce from Ilfracombe Co-operative rightly deserved this accolade.

Dave was described as going above and beyond to give each customer at the Co-Op a level of service that is second-to-none. Always polite and attentive, The Mayor said Dave was a great example of how staff really can make a difference. Popular with all, his kindness and personal attention is much appreciated by his fellow workers and customers.

Paramedic Bernice Putt was next to receive her award under the category of Dedicated Carer. A much-valued member of the community she has a calm and caring nature as well as a good sense of humour, all vital qualities in a paramedic! In addition to this, Bernice spends many voluntary hours working as a coast guard and for the RNLI.

Unfortunately the winner of the Helping our Environment category was unable to attend the presentation to receive his award in person due to ill health.

Alan Pickles is appreciated by his neighbours for carrying out his duties as Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for Langleigh Park. Now about to retire, Alan has been diligent in his duties over a long period of time. His neighbour Mr Troyne, who will be taking over the role, represented Alan at the presentation and spoke warmly and humorously about his neighbour.

Rose Morris has devoted over 20 years of her life to helping Ilfracombe Sea Cadets and young people and it was for this that she was presented with a Youth Services award.

Much of her time has been helping youngsters to apply for courses and improve their prospects. Mr Webb, who has a particular interest and expanded role in working with the youth of the town, described Rose a "a superb role model for our young people."

He went on to describe his first-hand experience with the winners of the final category - Service to the Neighbourhood.

"Pam and her team supplied our hotel with fresh fruit and veg every day so I can vouch for the service," he said.

Pam Norman and her staff from Norman's Fruit and Veg were nominated for creating high quality local produce and offering excellent customer service.

Nominated by members of the public, the Good Citizen awards recognise the achievements and good work that goes on, frequently behind the scenes in Ilfracombe and The Conference Room in the Ilfracombe Centre was filled with proud friends and relatives of the winners