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Queen salutes trio for tireless work

31/12/2001

THREE of the borough's most dedicated residents have been commended for consistent hard work in the New Year's Honours lists.

The tireless trio - Susan Marsh, Joyce Pattison and Jane Holroyd - have all been awarded the MBE and over the next five months will be invited to Buckingham Palace collect their awards.

Susan Marsh, of Hawthorn Road, Droylsden, was put forward for her services to the community.

The magistrate's first taste of community work was in 1977 when she became involved in a green belt dispute and from then on her work load spiralled.

Among her many different commitments she belongs to the Tameside Association of Community Organisations, Tameside Racial Equality Council and the Tameside School Governors Forum.

And as if that wasn't enough, the community worker is a stalwart at St Mary's church, Droylsden, as well as a grandma of four.

Susan said the award had come as a bit of a shock for her.

"I have no idea who put me forward for this, but I feel extremely flattered. I'm overawed, it is quite humbling. My family are delighted as well," she said.

"You are approached to see if you would accept the award but you don't actually find out until they are announced at one minute past midnight. I have to confess that I stayed up and had a look on teletext to find out."

Joyce Pattison, of Grange Road South, Hyde, spent 26 years as bursar at Hattersley High School, retiring just two weeks ago on her 60th birthday.

She made it to the list after being nominated for her services to education.

Joyce said: "I have really enjoyed going to work, I can't say there has been one day that I have not enjoyed. It has been a little community, like a family."

And Jane Holroyd, a nurse manager for Tameside and Glossop Acute Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, was singled out for her services to health care.

Friends and colleagues at Tameside Hospital congratulated Mrs Holroyd on her award.