June 17, 2017 8.00 am This story is over 81 months old

‘I’m so proud’: Sleaford woman receives Queen’s birthday honour for services to her community

A Sleaford woman has described her pride at receiving a Queen’s birthday honour for services to her community in Great Hale. Marjorie Atkinson, 73, was awarded the prestigious honour on Friday, June 16. For the last 35 years, Marjorie has organised the Great Hale Bingo Club, which is held weekly at the village hall and…

A Sleaford woman has described her pride at receiving a Queen’s birthday honour for services to her community in Great Hale.

Marjorie Atkinson, 73, was awarded the prestigious honour on Friday, June 16.

For the last 35 years, Marjorie has organised the Great Hale Bingo Club, which is held weekly at the village hall and regularly provides refreshments.

For at least 20 years, she has been running the Monday luncheon club, which provides people with social contact and comfort and a three course meal for £3.50.

She has also organised the fortnightly Whist Drive, and once a year she makes all the members a free lunch.

Marjorie presides over the weekly cooking at Chatty Café, which is held every Thursday morning at the village hall.

For 15 years, she has also been involved with the Classic Car Club, organising events which include a yearly visit to a Leonard Cheshire Home for the disabled at Easter.

She also provides festive meals at the village hall at Christmas, fundraises tirelessly at an annual event in the village hall and raises funds for a local hospice, St Barnabas, raising between £500- £900 at her events.

Marjorie told Lincolnshire Reporter: “I am excited, pleased and proud.

“I have never had anything like this before so it is a new experience. I do quite a lot for the village.

“I used to help run a youth club and I do a lunch club every Monday, I help run Bingo and have done for more years than I care to remember!

“My family don’t know yet but my husband is very pleased.”