Sidmouth woman's recognition for 40 years of dedication

Monday, 15 October 2012

by Anders Larsson

A SIDMOUTH in Bloom stalwart has received her British Empire Medal.
Joy Winifred Seward was of nine Devon residents named in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in June. She was named in the list for her services to the community through Sidmouth in Bloom.

The Queen's representative in the county, Devon Lord Lieutenant Eric Dancer CBE JP, hosted an awards ceremony in County Hall, Exeter, last week.
He said: “These people are true community champions, and I was delighted to present them with their British Empire Medals.

"They have all carried out so much work to help others, and fully deserve the recognition the medal brings. “I hope the dedication and hard work they have provided to their communities will be an inspiration to all.”

Joy has, for more than 40 years, served her community in Sidmouth as the president and chief executive of Sidmouth in Bloom. She has worked tirelessly, often at her own expense and in her own time, to facilitate, organise, encourage and motivate local townspeople, councillors, schools and other representative and trade bodies to engage fully in the objectives of Sidmouth in Bloom.

Her citation also said: "She has always been careful to ensure that the whole community takes credit for and has shared in the success of Sidmouth in Bloom and the town has been recognised by awards on many occasions at international, national and regional level.
Through Joy’s work community spirit is enhanced and the prestige of the town as a holiday destination is maintained.

"Her work with Sidmouth in Bloom has won Sidmouth the reputation as the floral role model for all others to follow."

The British Empire Medal is awarded for meritorious service worthy of recognition by the Crown. It marks an achievement or contribution of a very 'hands-on' service to the community in a local geographical area.
This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of very local charitable and/or voluntary activity, or innovative work that has delivered real impact but that is relatively short (three to four years) in duration.

Email: pulmans@tindlenews.co.uk

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