MARK PARISH COUNCIL

APRIL 2023

In 2022 Somerset County Council selected Geoff Francis as being one of a select number of members of the County as being worthy of recognition of the Chair’s award for Service to the Community.

To get a flavour of his contribution to the Area in general and Mark in particular it is worth reading the nomination  submitted by Simon Emery and seconded by Jendy Weekes (who also both play an important part in the well being of our Parish!)

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Geoff served in the Merchant Navy for many years but home has been Mark for over fifty years.   For many of these, he was a Governor of Mark First School and since 2012 has served on the Parochial Church Council for Mark Church. He has been Treasurer for the Mark Harvest Home Committee since 2002

For the last twenty years Geoff has been a much-respected member of Mark Parish Council and looks after several aspects for the council that are important for the wellbeing of the local community in general. These include the maintenance and reporting of issues requiring attention on footpaths as Rights of Way Officer, and the reporting and checking of general Highway problems needing to be repaired by Somerset Highways. Geoff also manages the maintenance of the village cemetery on behalf of Mark PC

Geoff raised funding to refurbish the highway direction finger posts in the parish and also for the purchase of SIDs (Speed Indicator Devices) as speeding vehicles are a major hazard through Mark. Geoff is the Co-Ordinator for Mark Speed Watch who regularly hold speed checks in the Parish and report vehicles infringing the 30mph speed limit to the Police.

Geoff is Chair of Mark Neighbourhood Watch and has also been a Director of Mark Community Land Trust.

For the last 20 years  Geoff has been part of the management of Highbridge and Huntspill Scouts being secretary of fund raising.

Geoff is a valued member and resident of Mark and we believe he is truly deserving of this award and recognition for all he does for the local and wider community.

Simon Emery

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A special ceremony took place on 17th February where the Chair of Somerset County Council formally thanked the recipients.  Geoff continues to do an excellent job despite not being in the best of health. 

The next meeting of Mark Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 2nd May. All are welcome to attend.

Danny Kehoe

Chair.