MBEs for two community stars

For work has started on the latest phase of her beloved Lytham park - which has helped secure her an MBE for a community stalwart.

Cath Powell has just received the award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

She is joined on the List by Linda Beddows, 56, of Sidmouth Road, St Annes, who has also received an MBE. Both women have been recognsied for their services to the community.

Cath has been one of the driving forces behind Park View 4 U in Lytham - a charity set up to develop a community facility in the town. Park View 4 U has created an award winning park.

Cath’s successful campaign to keep Walton Street Post Office open also cemented her popularity in the Lytham.

She serves on the Lytham Club Day committee as well as being a member of St Peter’s Parish Council. She was also a member of Lytham In Bloom and helped to raise funds for St Peter’s and St Bede’s schools.

She said: “I can’t believe it. When I saw the envelope on the doormat I thought it was a tax return but when I opened it I was in shock.”

“I do believe that local people can make a difference to their community.

Linda was on holiday in Spain when the announcement was made.

“I’m a bit gobsmacked,” she said. “I’ve been doing voluntary work for about thirty years and there are so many people who have contributed. I’m very grateful to everybody.” Salford-born Linda is married to David and has lived in St Annes since the age of 10.

The former Queen Mary School pupil worked for many years at Fylde Office Service Bureau, Orchard Road, St Annes. She has done work with the Legion of Friends at Clifton Hospital, Trinity Hospice and through the Soroptomists and Cinammon Trust.

Her family are no strangers to MBEs. Two anuts, Lucy Barratt and Marion McCormack, moved to America and were simultaneously awarded gongs for their work with British ex-service wives.

And a cousin, Bill Jones, from Salford, who was chairman of the Booths charity for many years, also received an MBE.