Awards have been presented to three Bungay projects in recognition of the way they enhance the town visually and economically.

Bungay Society presented the awards at its annual meeting last Thursday, with the recipients voted for by society members from a shortlist of ten nominations.

And it was the church room created under the organ loft in Holy Trinity Church which got the top marks by just one vote.

In second place was the Bungay in Bloom committee, and third, just one further vote behind, went to the Fen Farm raw milk and cheese enterprise.

The citation for the award for the church room noted its tasteful design and the way it enhanced the church facilities and created meeting and community space. It was received by Margaret Cannell on behalf of the church – her late husband, Frank, a lay reader and parochial church council member for many years, had pushed the idea of a meeting room with determination and persistence over many years, until it was finally completed three years ago.

The Bungay in Bloom award acknowledged the colourful and vibrant floral displays in the town during the summer. Generally acclaimed as the best for some years, they made the town centre a pleasing and attractive venue for local people and visitors alike. The award was received by Simon Thompson, president of the committee and the Bungay Events and Business Association, who said the display was down to those volunteers who planted the planters and hanging baskets and maintained and watered them throughout the summer.

He said the theme for next year’s display would be fire, as it was the 330th anniversary of the Great Fire of Bungay.

The Fen Farm award recognised the enterprise of the Crickmore family in establishing its popular raw milk and cheese business, diversifying the farm products and helping to spread Bungay’s name far and wide. It was received by Johnny Crickmore.

The community awards, in the form of framed certificates, were presented by the town reeve Mary Sprake, who is president of the society.

A presentation was also made to Sue Allen, who is standing down from the role of society treasurer after several years. The chairman, Terry Reeve, thanked her for her work, and also for her hospitality in hosting the executive committee meetings at her home.

The meeting received reports on the society’s activities during the year and outlined its programme of talks and outings for 2018. It was followed by a talk by Chris Reeve on his new book, Bungay at Work.