Rosemary O’Hagan: BEM

Rosemary O’Hagan, from Wooburn Green, receives a BEM for services to the community in Bourne End and Wooburn during coronavirus.

One of 10 people who started up the Bourne End and Wooburn Green SOS group, Rosie took on co-ordination of the volunteer efforts in Wooburn Green.

Throughout COVID, these volunteers have delivered shopping and meals or made deliveries to those unable to get out and about.

They also sewed laundry bags and scrubs for care homes and local GP surgeries.

“People who hardly knew how to sew all got involved and became quite skilful,” said Rosie.

“I’m quite used to mobilising friends through Facebook and other means.”

Nonetheless, it was ‘a huge shock’ to be included in the honours list, she said.

“After two years that have been so awful for so many, it felt a bit incongruous.

“It was my husband who said, ‘You’ve got to accept it – on behalf of all the volunteers, if you like.’

“It should be a community award, really, [but] of course it’s an honour. I’m happy to accept this on behalf of the dozens of Bourne End and Wooburn Green SOS members.”