A SADDLEWORTH woman has been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
And Jennifer Greenwood says of her newly acquired British Empire Medal: “It’s the sort of things you read about happening to other people.
“So, it’s a bit overwhelming,” she added after news of her accolade for community work in Lydgate was confirmed on Saturday, June 8.
“I’m not absolutely sure who put my name forward,” added Jennifer who celebrates her own birthday later this month.
“I have asked one or two people in the village. They just said it was a committee decision and won’t tell me.
“But it’s a lovely community and I accept it for them,” said Jennifer, chair of Love Lydgate community group which marks its 10h anniversary with a social event in the Parish Hall on June 20.
“I’d been organising a get together for the 10 years knowing I also wanted to share this award with everybody. So, we’ll be having some bubbly and a piece of cake.”
Jennifer moved to Lydgate from Ashton 25 years ago and immersed herself in community and fund-raising activities.
She sings with the Lydgate Larks choir and regularly helps out at St Anne’s Church on Stockport Road.
“We have been asked to sing at church tomorrow (Sunday) because it is Pentecost,” Jennifer explained.
“We don’t usually because Love Lydgate is separate from the church but we said we would on this occasion.
“Our big show though is in September. I like to say Lydgate Larks are starring supported by Saddleworth Male voice choir,” she laughed.
The BEM will be presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Manchester on a date to be confirmed. There will also be an invitation to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next year.
Lydgate, with a population of around 350, may be one of Saddleworth’s smallest communities but is a proud and historical one.
“A lot of people who are active are the older age group,” says Jennifer. “I know it worries a lot of people that we won’t be able to continue in the future.
“I don’t worry though because these things go in waves. When we can’t do it any longer people will step upto the plate.
“It’s that sort of village and Saddleworth is that type of community. There are so many things going on with people doing smashing things with lots of enthusiasm and talent. I am positive about the community.
“People are very engaging without being twee. It’s not all cosy, cosy. There are lots of characters about and we are all very fortunate.”
*In 2017, Pamela Berry from Uppermill also received the BEM for ‘services’ to Delph having been organist at St Thomas’s Church for 45 years.
