Maureen Edwards presented with British Empire Medal

The New Years Honours List recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom and Hodnet has one such person in its midst. Maureen (Mo) Edwards has been awarded the British Empire Medal, for services to the North Shropshire Hunt Branch of The Pony Club.
Many people will recognise Maureen by sight, riding through the village and surrounding lanes but they may not know about her unflagging work over the last 30 years in helping organise local events to introduce younger people to horse husbandry and the sheer fun of anything to do with horses. She has held the position District Commissioner for the area since 2009 and continues in the post although now in ill health.
In talking to the Pony Club about her award she said, “I was very surprised when I received the letter to find I had been awarded the British Empire Medal, but extremely thrilled as it is a great honour, and I was touched that I had been put forward for it.” She went on to say,” I love to see the Members having fun and progress at the Rallies, Camp and Tests. The North Shropshire Hunt group have developed into a large Branch, but I try to attend most of the rallies so that I get to see most of the Members throughout the year. The Pony Club is a great institution and has retained its original ethos of being open to all children which I feel is very important.”
The award was presented by Shropshire’s Lord Lieutenant Algernon Heber-Percy, but I am sure we would all like to say “Well done  Maureen. We are proud of you.”