Two church volunteers have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Steph Forman estimates she has raised more than £500,000 for good causes in Dorchester and beyond, in her fundraising to support Dorchester Abbey. She is Director of the Dorchester Festival which supports the Abbey as well as local charities as well as organising various other local events like Christmas markets, advent windows and safari suppers. She also manages the Dorchester Abbey tea room and its 100 volunteers.
She said: “There is nothing that I do on my own, for exampled 250 people help with the festival. I provide the glue! The really touching thing about getting the medal is the fact that the villagers see me as doing things for the village. This came out of wanting to raise money for the Abbey and local charities. I’m so pleased it’s seen as something which makes it a better place to live, that’s just how fundraising should be.”
Margaret Day was recognised for her work within the Kidlington community. As a churchgoer, Margaret volunteers at the church she attends, St John’s supporting with day-to-day finance management, bookings secretary for events held in the church, as part of the pastoral visiting team and serves on the parochial church council.
Margaret is also part of the team which produces the Kidlington News, putting together all of the submissions as well as organising a team of volunteers to deliver the magazine to subscribers. She is also a volunteer at the Kidlington food bank which supports people across North Oxford, volunteering as a trustee and supporting with admin.
She said: “I found it difficult to keep it secret! I am very grateful, it’s always nice when someone shows their appreciation. I would be doing what I do anyway but it is nice to be thanked in this way.”
Steph and Margaret were awarded the Medal of the Order of the British Empire and their honours will be presented at a later date by their Lord Lieutenant.