Dedicated Elizabeth honoured with MBE

Buy photos » Elizabeth Bolland was made MBE for her services to young people (s)

A EVESHAM woman who has dedicated most of her life to girl guiding has spoken of her delight after being awarded an MBE for her services to young people.

Elizabeth Bolland, 66, has been involved with the girl guides for more than 60 years and her efforts were recognised during the weekend's Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Her roles have included Badsey Girl Guiding Leader, Guiding Development Adviser and District commissioner for girl guiding.

"I am delighted to have been given this honour," she told the Observer. "But the award is not just for me, its for everyone who has supported Girl Guiding and for all those who dedicate their lives to help others.

"I was absolutely thrilled when I found out and I'm really looking forward to visiting Buckingham Palace and meeting the Royal family, it will be a very special day."

Andrew Jowett, from Drakes Broughton who is the director of Town Hall and Symphony Hall in Birmingham was also honoured with an OBE for his services to music.

"I am immensely proud to receive this honour for leading Town Hall and Symphony Hall Birmingham and it is particularly appropriate this year when Symphony Hall is celebrating its 21st anniversary," he said.

"Running these two world renowned concert halls is an absolute privilege and, in accepting this honour, I do so on behalf of everyone who has helped make them a major force on the national and international music scene, connecting over half a million people to music every year."

Alan Slater from Salford Priors was awarded an MBE for his services to the funeral profession and Polly Gowers, whose fund-raising company Everyclick is based in Evesham, was given an OBE for her services to philanthropy in the UK.

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