Examiner Community Awards: Services to the Community

Jun 16 2009 By Andrew Hirst

Joan Morton

GRANDMOTHER Joan Morton is well-known in several community circles.

Only last year the 67-year-old received an MBE in the New Year’s Honours for years of dedicated work to the community in Huddersfield.

The Milnsbridge grandmother-of-two was a founder member of the Beavers group at St Mark’s Church in Longwood.

"It was about 23 years ago,’’ she said. "I was just a parent helper at the time and we started out with just six children – and now we have the full 24."

Joan also works with Victim Support in Calderdale, helping victims of crime come to terms with what has happened to them.

"I wanted to do something a little bit different that wasn’t directly related to children,’’ she said.

"I heard about volunteering for Victim Support and I’ve been there five years now.

"I work with another woman, Judith Boddis, who has become a very good friend."

Joan is also Sunday school teacher at St Mark’s Church and has worked voluntarily for the Church of England’s Wakefield Diocese.

She was also a founding member of Golcar Lily Day village celebrations a few years ago. The event has gone from strength to strength.

Richard Carter

YOUTH minister Richard Carter must be rushed off his feet running six different youth clubs – but he thinks every minute is well-worthwhile.

The 32-year-old works with more than 100 young people in his local area of Oakes.

Wife Kim nominated her husband for the services to the community award.