Refugee supporters to be honoured

A couple who support refugees in Bridport will be honoured at this year’s Community Charter Fair. Organisers are expecting huge crowds at events in Bucky Doo Square and Millennium Green at Mountfield on Saturday, May 20.

The Lyric School of Dance will begin proceedings at Mountfield with their traditional Maypole dance, followed by the crowning of the May Queen. Deputy Mayor Ian Bark will then present two awards honouring people for outstanding service to their community.

Jim and Jenny Tigg will be presented with the 2023 Charter Fair Trophy, which was designed by master stone mason Karl Dixon. Jim said: “Jenny and I will be honoured to receive this trophy on behalf of the local refugee support community in its many guises.”

The Above and Beyond award will go to Dr Jo Millar for her work with The Living Tree Cancer Support Group, created in 2012 by Dr Millar and the late Jo O’Farrell. Supporter Ros Copson said: “The two Jos have taken the Living Tree from a small cancer support group to an important part of the cancer outreach for the area and touched many lives.

“Jo Millar has the knowledge and the ability to put everyone at ease. That in itself means a lesser burden to carry for the person who needs to talk.

“Friendliness and empathy are key to members of the Living Tree and Stepping Out and this is certainly what Jo encapsulates, just in being Jo.” The fair is free to attend and features an eclectic array of performers, including The Big Band, Bridport Choral