Late night street lights back on

A BIRTHDAY to remember was sprung upon a dedicated volunteer when she was surprised with her award from the Queen.

Joan Bunn was honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2017, being awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).

But she had yet to receive her medal, that was until her former colleagues at the Nuneaton Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) decided to surprise the woman who dedicated more than 30 years of her life to helping others.

The mum-of-two turned 85 on Saturday and several of her friends and family members arrived at her home at the Haven Nursing Home in Ash Green armed with a cake.

But the birthday girl was totally unaware that Warwickshire’s LordLieutenant Timothy Cox had also been invited and he also had a special gift.

He presented her with her BEM on behalf of the Queen.

Gill Olner, who worked with the dedicated volunteer at the CAB, said: “She thought we were all going round with a cake, she had no idea the Lord Lieutenant was coming, she was gobsmacked, he was absolutely brilliant and presented her with her medal.

“She kept saying ‘I don’t deserve this, you all do’ but it was so nice that she has actually got her medal and that the Lord Lieutenant was able to present it to her on her birthday.”

The advice champion was given the honour for services to the Citizens Advice Bureau and the community in Nuneaton.

After a career in teaching at Polesworth Nethersole’s Church of England First School, including time as deputy head, Joan retired in 1984 and joined the Nuneaton Citizens Advice Bureau, which is now part of Bedworth, Rugby and Nuneaton CAB.

On joining the bureau in 1984 she trained as a generalist adviser and has worked continuously for 33 years, committing two days per week to help local people to resolve their problems.

David Gooding, chief executive of Bedworth Rugby and Nuneaton CAB, paid tribute to the richly deserved recognition for the longstanding volunteer – whom he called their ‘standard bearer.’

He said: ‘I am delighted at this recognition of Joan’s services to the community she has been shining example of the dedication and commitment that our local volunteer teams bring to support local people. We are very proud of her.”