Arts activists recognised

Two Bridgnorth musicians were recognised by the outgoing mayor, Vanessa Voysey, for their contribution to Bridgnorth. Kevin Adams was awarded the Civic Award and Tom Barras the Davies Shield. Vanessa said, “Arts are often underfunded and sometimes undervalued, but they enrich our lives help us to express ourselves. Both have taken the time to put on events which boost tourism by drawing in audiences from outside of the area as well as within.” Former Dexy’s Midnight Runner Kevin Adams is passionate about Bridgnorth and its community; he is involved in many local projects and is a founding member of the long-established Bridgnorth Music Festival. Kevin has a sense of fairness and justice and his voluntary work in promoting the arts has enriched community life and boosted the town’s appeal to visitors.
Young Tom Barras, aged 16, was recognised for his charity fundraising, and also for his services to the arts and community life. Through appearances at the Big Busk and the Bridgnorth Walk, he has helped raise over £5,000 for homelessness charities and is currently helping to organise a Youth Music Festival in Bridgnorth – Sunflower Music on Sunday 16 July.