Wymondham community stalwart’s 60 years of volunteering rewarded with British Empire Medal

Brenda Ford in Wymondham. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant © 2014)

Brenda Ford, of Downham Grove, Wymondham, was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

But when the 86-year-old was told she had been awarded a medal a month ago, she was initially reluctant to accept it.

'I'm not one for a lot of fuss, but then I thought somebody has taken the time to nominate me and they would be disappointed if I didn't.

'It is an honour and I do really appreciate it,' she said.

Mrs Ford has been heavily involved with volunteering in Wymondham since she moved to the town 60 years ago.

As well as being on the committee which established the Wymondham Heritage Museum, Mrs Ford tends to gardens in Chandlers Hill and helped with work supporting those living with disabilities in the town.

The former town mayor even set up the Wymondham branch of national waking campaign Walking for Health, which sees 70,000 people donning their trainers and getting out in the fresh air.

After taking a training course in Breckland around 12 years ago, she became determined to start a local group in the town.

'We started off with just one or two walkers, but now there's about 30 or more,' Mrs Ford added.

The mother-of-three said that her involvement with the community started from an abundance of spare time.

She said: 'When I was married I didn't go out to work, I just helped my husband with hus business.

'So I had time for vlunteer work and I guess that's why I have always done it.'

This year the Queen's Birthday Honours list recognised the work of 10 people from across Norfolk.

Do you know of someone in Wymondham who should be recognised? Contact Lauren Cope on lauren.cope@archant.co.uk