Barrie Hedges Honoured with 2025 Robin Cross Citizen of the Year Award
Published: 20 January 2025
Axminster Town Council is delighted to announce that Barrie Hedges has been named the 2025 recipient of the Robin Cross Citizen of the Year Award. The award was presented at the Town Council meeting on January 13, 2025, where Mr Hedges received the Robin Cross Shield in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the Axminster community.
The award celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to enhancing life in Axminster, honouring the legacy of the late Robin Cross, who dedicated years of service to the town through his work with the school and local police.
Mayor Cllr Jill Farrow warmly welcomed Robin Cross’s widow Lin Cross to the presentation and went on to praise Mr Hedges’ long-standing dedication to Axminster through initiatives that have enriched the community and bolstered the local economy. She highlighted his work with Totally Locally, Axminster Banners, the Chamber of Commerce, and his most recent project, For The Love Of A Railway, which continues to celebrate Axminster’s heritage and attract visitors of all ages.
For The Love Of A Railway
One of Barrie Hedges’ most recent achievements is the For The Love Of A Railway initiative, which celebrates Axminster’s rich railway history, particularly the former Axminster to Lyme Regis rail line that closed in 1965. The project has united model railway and history enthusiasts to honour the railway’s role in shaping Axminster’s development.
For The Love Of A Railway’s model railway exhibit can be found on Chard Street, and continues to delight visitors. The exhibit is complemented by this year’s nationwide Railway 200 celebrations, which mark the bicentenary of the modern railway.
A Legacy of Community Involvement
Barrie’s contributions extend far beyond the railway initiative. Through Totally Locally, he championed local businesses by encouraging residents to shop locally, boosting Axminster’s independent traders. His leadership in the Axminster Banners project brought vibrant banners designed and hand-painted by the community to the high street, creating a welcoming and unique atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
As a former secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, Barrie consistently advocated for Axminster’s economic growth and resilience. His creativity, leadership, and unwavering commitment have enriched the town while inspiring others to get involved in meaningful ways.
Reflecting on the award, Barrie Hedges said:
“This is a great honour and is one that would not have been possible without the support of others, most notably Jan, my ever-patient wife. I have come to realise over the past six years that Axminster has an extraordinary volunteer network that quite literally makes the town tick. In the case of the projects I have been involved with, it’s been people prepared to, build, design, stitch, sew, paint, climb ladders and burn shoe leather. They add up to an incredible resource, and in today’s world, we need a lot more of that precious resource.
“The opportunity to play a volunteer role in Axminster has been of great benefit to me in my retirement years. I have met lovely people I would never have known and made long-term friends amongst them. I have been able to use some of my old work skills and even learned a few new ones! It has, without doubt, contributed to my well-being and to my mental health, and I know that’s true of others on the same journey. The benefits are very much two-way.”
A Moment to Celebrate
The presentation of the Robin Cross Shield was met with warm applause at the Town Council meeting. Mayor Cllr Jill Farrow concluded:
"This award is a testament to Barrie’s tireless work and the difference he has made in so many areas of our town. On behalf of Axminster Town Council and the community, we thank him for all he has done and continues to do, and we hope his example inspires others to contribute their time and energy in support of our community.”
As part of the award, the Town Council will donate £100 to Nourish, a local charity chosen by Barrie, which provides healthy meals to those in need in the Axminster area.
For more information about the Robin Cross Citizen of the Year Award and Axminster Town Council’s initiatives, please contact the Town Council office.
