Two Shropshire residents presented with their BEM’s

The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner was delighted to be able to present  two Shropshire residents with their British Empire Medals awarded in the New Year’s Honours.

Former Wem town and Shropshire councillor  Pauline Dee was awarded the medal for her services to the town.

She was joined by family members and was emotional at receiving her medalPauline said: “I am absolutely amazed. I am just so delighted.

Pauline was the first female mayor of Wem and spoke about how not many women were involved in local politics.

She said: “When I went on the town council in 1981 I was the only woman. There were 11 men and me.

“In 1984, I was appointed deputy mayor then I was the first female mayor from 1985 to 1986.”

Pauline also spoke about her proudest achievements.

She said: “I am proud to have achieved what we did with the money that we received.

“We set up the Wem Economic Forum with the district council and that helped us get money into Wem which we desperately needed.

The Lord-Lieutenant also presented the  prestigious award to Wem Cricket Club stalwart Graham Furber for his services to disabled sport, cricket and the town.

Graham said: “I am quite humbled.

“It is nice for someone to say thank you and feel that I have done a good job.”

He also spoke about his long involvement in Wem Cricket Club.

He said: “They have always been my club.

“I first went down to the club when I was 10 and I made my debut at 14 and I played till I was 60.

“I have never played for anyone else.”

Graham mentioned his proudest moment was when disabled cricketers played at Lords, the home of English cricket.

He said: “My proudest moment was the first time the disabled teams played at Lords. 

“I ran England disabled squad and we played Wales.”

The Lord Lieutenant congratulated both Pauline and Graham.

She said: “You are exceptional and I am so proud to have been in a position to place those medals on you.

“You should feel very proud of what you have achieved.”

photo Credit Whitchurch Herald