Town merit award honours for Littlehampton groups

And now the town council has rewarded two groups reaching significant milestones this year, and two hard-working individuals for their contributions to the community, with the annual presentation of merit awards.

Littlehampton Musical Comedy Society (LMCS) has just celebrated its diamond anniversary with a special revue show at the Windmill Entertainment Centre, while the Arunners have proved themselves to be a long-running group in more ways than one, striding out for 30 years.

Town mayor Alan Gammon presented both groups with their awards at the annual town meeting, where he also handed individual awards to Littlehampton Civic Society stalwart Wilf Daggett and to Stella Porter, convenor of a group within the Arun University of the Third Age which fosters an interest among children in reading and creative writing.

Mr Gammon described Mr Daggett as “a mine of information” over past events and the town’s origins, as well as being an invaluable asset to the town council’s planning committee with his observations in the public forum on the merits or otherwise of planning applications.

The mayor praised the hard work of Mrs Porter in leading the group in encouraging young people to enjoy reading and creative writing.

Arunners, a club open to any adult with an interest in running, irrespective of age or ability, raised thousands of pounds for charities each year through its beach run and the sponsorship gained by members taking part in marathons and other races, said the mayor.

Presenting LMCS chairman Chris Cooper and member Jessica Baker with the society’s merit award, Mr Gammon said: “Since 1952, this group has been providing entertainment for the townsfolk of Littlehampton.

“Its members have also provided an opportunity for people of all ages to develop their talents and give them a platform to perform in public.”