BEM accolade for village stalwart
AN AINSDALE woman received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for Services to Charity and the Community of Ainsdale in Merseyside at Liverpool Town Hall on Wednesday last week.
Iris Whitaker, who was awarded the BEM in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June, received her medal from The LordLieutenant of Merseyside, Mr Mark Blundell.
She was accompanied by her daughter Carol, her son Ian and son-in-law Keith Doyle, Cllr Tony Brough and Joan Major, Chairman and Secretary of the Ainsdale Civic Society (ACS).
Iris is the author of two books about Ainsdale, all the proceeds of which have gone to various charities.
Apart from her own books, Iris has also compiled a book for ACS for which she researched those named on the Ainsdale World War Memorial.
Joan Major said: “As the Ainsdale Civic Society historian, she is a font of knowledge about the Village of Ainsdale and as such is the first port of call for all those seeking information.
“Over the years, she has helped hundreds who have been researching family trees or need other local information and have contacted the Society.
“Twelve years ago, Iris came up with the idea of an Open Gardens WeekEnd to raise funds for the Ainsdale Civic Society and gardeners could collect money for a charity of their choice.
“Since then, she has organised this event each year and by the end of 2017 it raised £13,009 for the Society and £12,630 for the many charities.
“Several years ago, the ACS was contacted by the Royal British Legion because they needed someone to sell Poppies on their behalf in Ainsdale.
“Iris took on this challenge with relish and each year she organises a group of volunteers to sell poppies during the 2 weeks before Remembrance Day.
“The revenue collected by her and her volunteers rises each year and to date just under £9,500 has been collected.
“The amount of money Iris has raised for the ACS and for many other charities is difficult to estimate, but it runs into tens of thousands.
“But, more important than the money, the dedication, time, help and skill she has given to the community of Ainsdale is immeasurable.”