AN EXTRAORDINARY Stratford resident who set up a hugely successful luncheon club has been awarded a medal.
Joanne Horne was presented with a British Empire Medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Tim Cox, at the Embankment Restaurant in Stratford for going ‘above and beyond’ to serve her local community.
British Empire Medals mark the extraordinary contributions and service of people from across the UK. They recognise people who have made achievements in public life, committed themselves to serving and helping the UK, and who make life better for others by being outstanding at what they do.
Joanne received this award for her role in setting up the Stratford Luncheon Club in 2016 to bring together people in the local community.
The club originally started with ten members, and over time has grown to have over 750 people. Members of the club meet once a month on a Sunday to enjoy a roast dinner, enjoy each other’s company, and raise money for different charities – and this year is supporting the Shakespeare Hospice. Since she started the club in 2016, Joanne has now raised approximately £100,000 in support of the club’s chosen charities.
Warwickshire
The Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Tim Cox, said: “The community work of Joanne is extraordinary, and I am really pleased that her contributions to make Warwickshire a better and brighter place have been recognised in this way.
“The Warwickshire Lieutenancy are always looking for people who are doing wonderful work in the county and who may be considered for national recognition. If you know any unsung heroes who have made achievements in public life, then please consider nominating them for an honour or award so that they too can get the recognition they deserve.”
Warwickshire County Council’s culture spokesperson Coun Heather Timms added: “Congratulations to Joanne on this incredible achievement, and for all her hard work and dedication in supporting her local community. She is an inspiration and it’s great to see that such incredible efforts have been recognised.”
Details on how to nominate someone for an honour or award can be found at https://www.gov.uk/honours
