PAMELA Berry has been praised for her “enormous contribution” to society after receiving her British Empire Medal from the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.
Pamela has been pulling out all the stops as volunteer organist at St Thomas’s Parish Church in Delph for 45 years.
And while the former school teacher’s honour was confirmed last June, the investiture to mark her and other people’s successes only took place recently.
The ceremony, at the Civic Centre in Swinton, was hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Warren J Smith.
He told the audience: “It is with personal pride and delight I welcome the recipients of the British Empire Medal and their friends and family.
“Pride, because every citizen of this nation should be proud to celebrate the enormous contribution made by each of those who receive this award.
“My delight, as her Majesty’s representative in this county of Greater Manchester, is to be present and to make these awards on her behalf.”
Pamela’s citation praised her long service at St Thomas’s.
It said: “Pamela has worked closely with the various leaders of the church to ensure that the music played has always been relevant and appropriate to both the church and congregation.
“She has been able to use her deep and personal experience of the Bible, as well as her knowledge of relevant hymns and songs to choose a variety of music linked appropriately and effectively to the theme of the service each week.
“Pamela makes sure she keeps upto date embracing new music and styles to suit the modern generation of worshippers while at the same time maintaining a commitment to tradition and convention.”
Pamela will be invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
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