Redditch's community servants honoured by Queen

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A WOMAN who has spent more than 40 years serving the community says she is 'humbled' to have been given an MBE in The Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Lorna White's years of dedication to Redditch began shortly after moving to the town in 1969 when she joined the Woodrow Residents' Association.

Over the years she has been involved with a number of voluntary organisations including eight years as a case worker for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association and since 2002 has been secretary of Redditch Older People's Forum.

And when the 86-year-old has time she raises money for the blind and the League of Friends at the Alexandra Hospital.

She told the Standard: "I'm proud of course but also humbled and embarrassed to be truthful. There's so many people in this town doing the same thing we never get to hear of, it's a shame there's only one to go around. I shall be glad to accept this on their behalf."

Also being honoured is Redditch man Herbert Harris who was one of the founding members of Redditch Boys' Brigade.

Mr Harris has been given the British Empire Medal for services to young people.

Mr Harris remains honorary president of the brigade, having served for 48 years as captain before retiring last year. The organisation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010.

Firefighter Ade Taylor, who is commander of blue watch at Redditch Fire Station, is recognised with an MBE for his work for the Young Firefighters Association.

Mr Taylor set-up a branch of the YFA in Droitwich in 2000 and not only is he still the driving force behind it but co-ordinates the YFA for the whole service with a second group now successfully established in Redditch.

Over the last ten years he has devoted thousands of hours to the development of young people through the YFA, including giving up some of his own holiday entitlement.

Mark Yates, Chief Fire Officer at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Ade Taylor is quite simply the heartbeat and life blood of our Service’s YFA scheme and he has had a profoundly positive impact on dozens of young people as a result.

"His selfless enthusiasm and drive is exceptional and is a huge credit to the Fire Service, the communities he serves and ultimately himself."

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