Sheila Saunders receives medal for services to community

A much-loved and highly respected Rutland resident has been recognised for the outstanding contribution she has made to her local community after being named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Sheila Constance Saunders was awarded the British Empire Medal for Services to her local community and received the award at a special ceremony in Oakham last month.

The award comes in recognition of the enormous impact that Sheila has had on Ketton and Barrowden over many years.

In addition to creating a welcome pack for all newcomers to the village she instigated and coordinated Ketton’s Millennium Map with 90 volunteers, which now hangs in St Mary’s Church with the accompanying book.

Sheila also worked with a team of volunteers to create altar frontals and tapestry kneelers for the church and curtains for St Mary’s Congregational Hall and was responsible for a range of Parish Council community millennium projects including commemorative mugs and medals for the children.

The British Empire Medal was awarded to Sheila by Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness.

Speaking after the ceremony, Dr Furness said: “Sheila is a shining example of what it is to be community-minded.

“Her spirit and commitment to important causes in the villages of both Ketton and Barrowden is truly humbling and should serve as an inspiration to everyone. The Honour that Sheila has received is a fitting tribute to the immeasurable dedication that she has shown to her friends and neighbours and is thoroughly deserved. Congratulations, Sheila.”

The honours system recognises people who have made a significant contribution in public life or committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.