Queen's Honours for Plymouth community organisers
Devon’s finest were honoured by the Queen last week when they were presented with a British Empire Medal.
A pair of dedicated community workers from Plymouth were among the eight men and women from across the county named in the New Year's Honours List 2013.
Mrs Lorraine Tucker – For services to The City of Plymouth Children Fund and to the community in Devon
For almost 30 years Mrs Lorraine Tucker has dedicated herself to raising aspirations of young people of the City of Plymouth. She is involved with the City of Plymouth Children’s Fund, a charity providing an annual holiday for less advantaged children living in Plymouth and surrounding areas. She is also a great fundraiser, is actively involved in her local community centre and church and won the St John’s Grand Prior Award for services to St John’s Ambulance.
Mrs Irene Wills – For services to the Pisces Swimming Club and to the community in Plymouth
For over 35 years Mrs Irene Wills has been organising swimming sessions for disabled members of the public and those with learning difficulties. She has also been involved with the War Widows Association and travels across the UK giving advice to those needing it.
Lord Lieutenant of Devon presents the awards
Chosen for their tireless community work and dedication, they were presented with their awards by Devon’s Lord Lieutenant, Eric Dancer CBE JP, the Queen’s representative in the county, at a Investiture at County Hall on Friday 24 May.
He said:
“These people are true community champions, and have been carrying out so much exceptional work to help others by fundraising, volunteering, helping the more vulnerable and bringing people together.
“It is a real honour to present them with their British Empire Medals. They fully deserve the recognition the award brings.
“They have changed their communities for the better, and I hope that the dedication and hard work they have provided to their communities will be an inspiration to all.”
The British Empire Medal is awarded for meritorious service worthy of recognition by the Crown. It marks an achievement or contribution of a very 'hands-on' service to the community in a local geographical area. This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of very local charitable and/or voluntary activity, or innovative work that has delivered real impact but that is relatively short (three to four years) in duration.
The other Devon people decorated were:
Mrs Ann Barwood – For voluntary services to Exeter Cathedral
Mrs Ann Barwood is the Chapter Canon at Exeter Cathedral who took over management responsibility for the Cathedral Library and Archive. Due to her endeavours the Archive and Library were allocated nearly £2m to upgrade the facility and make it much more accessible to the general public.
Mr Michael Gee – For services to Orchard Conservation in North Devon
Following a career in Town and Country Planning Michael Gee now concentrates on the state of the environment. He steered Orchards Live when it was formed as the Save Our Orchards Campaign. He was responsible for the establishment of the first new Mazzard orchard (cherry) for a century.
Mrs Susan Holland – For services to the community in Lydford
Mrs Susan Holland runs the village Hall Drop-In for the older people in the village of Lydford where they can get a cup of tea, cake and a chat. Also a great fundraiser for the community.
Mrs Diana Nicholls – For services to the community in Newton Abbot
Former Teignbridge District Councillor and Town Councillor, Diana Nicholls was instrumental in getting the pedestrian bridge built linking the Buckland Estate to Newton Abbot. She also was responsible for the modernisation of the Broadlands estate council properties. She has devoted her adult life to helping good causes and fundraising for local organisations.
Mr Michael Pitt – For services to the Royal Air Force and to the community in Woolacombe
Mr Michael Pitt pioneered “The Wickenby Register” to remember and reunite those who had fought together during World War II. He has forged links with other communities over which many squadrons lost their lives abroad and working with them to establish memorials at specific sites. He also served on the District and Parish Council.
Mrs Doris Russell – For services to the community in Colaton Raleigh
Mrs Doris Russell is active parishioner who has devoted herself to the well-being of the community. She has raised thousands of pounds towards local charities including the Church Preservation Fund used to repair the tower, bells and stained glass windows. Doris Russell also directs the Colaton Raleigh Players producing pantomimes and numerous charity concerts to raise money for local charities.
