Firefighting postie Barry is Sidmouth Citizen of the Year

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A POSTMAN with a plethora of community-based pastimes has been named as Sidmouth’s citizen of the year.

The 52-year-old, of Manstone Avenue, juggles his full-time job with being a member of the town’s retained fire service – and still finds room for the scouts, air cadets, Sidmouth Mummers and Sidvale Players to name a few.

The dad of two, a postman for 25 years, also helps organise the postmen’s entry in the carnival and has had a hand in the town’s Boxing Day swim and raft race.

“It’s an honour,” Barry said of landing the annual Rotary Club of Sidmouth award.

“I am born and bred in Sidmouth, have lived here all my life, so it is quite nice to be appreciated by the people of Sidmouth. I never realised I did quite so many things – but I enjoy it all.

“I should think a few people will bring it up on my rounds.”

Citizen of the Year organiser Arthur Passey told those at a presentation lunch on Wednesday that the winner of the accolade is nominated by residents of the town.

“This year it was a very popular result,” he said.

Arthur added that well-known Barry needed no introduction, as he has been, and remains, ‘involved with a long list of organisations as long as your arm’.

“I just wonder what he does in his spare time,” said Arthur. “I am given to understand he puts so much effort and energy into helping all the community, both young and old – and he is always happy.”

Rotary club president Lynn Ellis said Barry’s wife Michelle, daughter Kath, 16, and son Alex, 20, could be very proud of him. Citizen of the Year began in 1985 and the public’s nominations are submitted each year through the Sidmouth Herald.

Barry will join the list of winners whose names are displayed on a board at Sidmouth Town Council’s Woolcombe House base.

Council chairman John Hollick described Barry as a ‘wonderful chap’.

[postypie]

He must have a good duty.....once I have done my park and loops the only thing I can do is crawl into my car....drive home...and crash out...totally whacked....no energy left for anything else.