‘Volunteering can hold a community together’ – Queen’s recognition for Colton woman

Marion Morse's passion for improving the lives of others has been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

The Colton grandmother of six was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to the Norwich community after 40 years of volunteering.

Since 1974, Mrs Morse has worked tirelessly to promote self-reliance, personal development and learning of disadvantaged people across Norwich.

She has worked with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) since the late 1970s, training volunteers as well as setting up the first outreach pilot to help people close to home. As well as the CAB, Mrs Morse has taught in Norwich prison, served on school governing bodies and been a strong believer in giving people skills and confidence.

At Lakenham Primary School, Mrs Morse was part of a team which oversaw a new building and at the Hewett School in Norwich she set up a project called Base to help give young people reassurance to reach their goals.

Mrs Morse said she was 'amazed' to be made an MBE. 'Volunteering can hold a community together,' she said.

'And by volunteering, you can change your own life by learning a lot about yourself.'

Mrs Morse is still a trustee at Base, is part of the Diss and Thetford CAB and is a parish councillor in the village of Colton.