TWO outstanding Ilminster residents have had their efforts recognised in a special awards presentation last week.

Every year, local people are invited to nominate someone whose efforts to help the town and its residents go above and beyond the call of duty.

At the town’s annual community assembly on Wednesday, Mayor Emma Jane Taylor handed out the Honoured Citizen of Ilminster Award and the Mayor’s Award to two equally surprised and worthy winners.

The Honoured Citizen of Ilminster award was handed to Joan Olds in recognition of her service to the town and townspeople.

Her citation read: “Joan has been a tower of strength for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) for over 20 years and is an inspired leader of her band of volunteer workers in the RNLI shop in the Swan Precinct since she took on the role of manager.

“She has inspired her volunteer workers to help keep the shop alive through some difficult patches and her cheery chat and manner together with her helpful nature has been most welcome to customers and staff alike.

“Joan also helps out at the Minster Church by making tea and coffee for the congregation on some Sundays and also as a steward at busy events such as the Christmas Tree Festival.

“She also always supports the Lions Club Fete with her stall of RNLI goods and many other events such as the Ilminster Midsummer Experience and Party on the Park, again promoting the RNLI.

“Joan is also a valued visitor to residents in Muchelney House and Vaughan Lee House.”

The Mayor’s Award was presented to Marilyn Shelley who is retiring from the town council after 20 years of service.

Her citation read, in part: “Marilyn joined Ilminster Town Council on August 8 1995 as a part-time clerical assistant for nine hours per week.

“The advert for the position read ‘Duties will include reception work, clerical support for the town clerk and the town council secretary’.

“Over the years Marilyn has increased her hours and her responsibilities notably, in 1996 the job description included ‘making tea and coffee as required’ and administration of the town council’s licensing responsibilities and taxes.

“In 2012 Marilyn became deputy town clerk. Marilyn has also looked after the cemetery records and been responsible for paying the bills and chasing the rental payments due to the Town Council.

More recently, Marilyn has managed several notable projects to benefit the town including setting up the community resilience store.”

There were no nominations for the Bradley Cullen Award which recognises outstanding young people, but nominations are invited.