Lydgate stalwart receives BEM honour for helping area flourish

A COMMUNITY stalwart has received a British Empire Medal for helping her area to flourish.

Jennifer Greenwood, from Lydgate, was one of five recipients to receive the honour from Warren Smith, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, at Gorton Monastery.

Jennifer Greenwood, centre, with her husband Chris and Oldham’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Jenny Harrison at the BEM ceremony

As chair and secretary of Love Lydgate community group, she encouraged community pride and involvement by introducing a wide range of projects and activities. 

Jennifer was joined at the ceremony by her husband Chris, Oldham’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Jenny Harrison, and friends and neighbours from Lydgate.

The Lord Lieutenant said: “Today’s recipients are true representatives of those who dedicate themselves to the communities within which they work and live.”

Speaking after the event, Jennifer commented: “It was a wonderful experience and as there was only five award recipients we were allowed to take more guests than usual. 

“It was lovely to be able to take people from the village who have all contributed so much as well as my husband and son. I only wish I could have taken everyone!

“It was so nice of Cllr Harrison attend too. We will be inviting her to the village as our special guest. 

“The venue itself was amazing and a wonderful backdrop to a really exciting day.”

Jennifer joins two other Saddleworth-based BEM winners – Margaret Hardy a veteran fundraiser from Diggle who raised thousands of pounds for charities, and Richelle Walsh, customer care assistant at Greenfield train station who received the award for services to the rail industry and the community of Oldham.