Bryan Gillard's reasons to celebrate (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Bryan Gillard's reasons to celebrate

1:00pm Saturday 22nd January 2011 in Bridgwater Area News By Rory McKeown

A MAN closely connected to Bridgwater's Blake Museum had cause for a double celebration last week.

Bryan Gillard, vice-chairman of the Friends of the Blake Museum, last Tuesday received the Bridgwater Cup, an award from Bridgwater Town Council, which recognises one devoted citizen each year.Bryan, 74, of Rosevean Close, was also a Sedgemoor district councillor from 1999 to 2003.

He said: “We all work very hard here at the museum and I was a bit embarrassed to receive the award because it is a real team effort.

“My family are really chuffed I won the cup and it was an absolute shock to hear I was even nominated, let alone win it!

“I would like to thank Bridgwater Town Council for the award and whoever nominated me.”

Alan Hurford, town clerk, said: “Bryan is another worthy winner of the Bridgwater Cup and joins the wide ranging list of winners from all walks of community life in Bridgwater.”

It was a second piece of good news for the museum, which on the same day received its accreditation from the Museum, Libraries and Archive Council's Museum Accreditation Scheme, in recognition of the quality service it offers visitors.

Mr Hurford said the award justified the town council's decision to take over the museum to keep it going for the community.

He said of the award: “It is testament to the work of the honorary curators, the Friends of the Blake Museum and all the volunteers whose commitment has ensured continuing success and increasing visitor numbers.”