A special community award has been given to former Marshlink vice-chair Mick Burgess.
Mick was a stalwart member of the Marshlink community rail partnership and had been a member of the group since 2014. He spent the last five years as vice-chair of the steering group.
He died in February just days after attending the celebrations for the 174th anniversary of the Marshlink line at Rye station.
Ashford Borough Council leader Cllr Noel Ovenden presented the Leader’s Award to Mick’s partner Cllr Aline Hicks at the borough’s community awards ceremony held at Ashford cinema on Monday 6 October.
Cllr Ovenden told the audience of community representatives that Mick had been a campaigner for the High Speed rail line to Ashford and was instrumental in founding the Friends of Appledore Station. He spent 32 years as an Ashford borough councillor and Alderman.
He added: “Mick was a passionate advocate of all transport and community connectivity … Mick was known for his warmth, humility and genuine kindness. He was someone who always made time for others.”
In collecting the award, Aline commented: “He was always interested in all aspects of transport … I think it most relevant that the Marshlink community rail partnership actually nominated Mick for this award.”
She thanked Marshlink community rail line officer Paul Bromley and line chair Kevin Boorman for putting Mick’s name forward.
Photo: Cllr Aline Hicks accepts Leader’s Award for former Marshlink community rail partnership vice-chair Mick Burgess. Left to right: Ashford Borough Council leader Cllr Noel Ovenden, Cllr Aline Hicks, Ashford borough mayor Cllr Lyn Suddards. Photo credit: Alan Duncan Photography
