A woman from Barton Upon Humber is among those to be honoured by the Queen
she'll receive a BEM for services to the community
Last updated 2nd Jan 2022
As part of the New Years Honours list – 75 year old Margaret Sidell from Barton Upon Humber has been recognised for her work in the community.
From providing food during the pandemic to supporting local schools - she's been thanked for nearly 50 years of work.
She's set to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community, particularly during Covid.
Margaret has supported the community in a variety of ways, including serving on Parish, Town, and District Councils. During these periods of service, she has undertaken the roles of both Councillor and Mayor.
Margaret says:
"It's rather humbling, and it's somewhat overwhelming because when people are saying to you it's for this it's for that - you think good heavens how times has flown - have you done all that"
Following retirement, she established a food bank in the local area which she has led for the past ten years.
Margaret says she had to adapt her food bank during lockdown:
"It's quite cramped to be able to practise social distancing so what we did we gave out food vouchers to the value of the food parcels we would have been giving. Just in that summer we spent £23,000 just like that"
"I'm just so thankful to the community - so many people have rallied round us going back right through to the beginning of January 2012 when we opened. I don't want anyone to feel they are struggling"