Queen honours ‘humbled’ Edna
A RETIRED teacher almost turned down an honour from the Queen because she thinks other people deserve it more than her.
It was only after discussions with her daughter Casey that Edna March, from Crook, agreed to accept her MBE.
The 76-year-old, who taught at Stanley Crook Primary School for 21 years, said: “I don’t want people to think I don’t appreciate the honour but I’m just so humbled by it.
“My initial response was that I shouldn’t accept it because so many people deserve it more than me.
“I haven’t allowed myself to think about it too much, it’s so humbling that anyone should think I deserve an award.”
Edna will receive the honour in recognition for her six decades of working with the Methodist church and community groups including the girl guides and brownies in Crook.
She kept her award secret for six weeks.
Edna, a regular volunteer at St Andrews Dawson Street Methodist United Reformed church, said: “I was really anxious about how people would react, would they think I deserve it.
“The reaction has been amazing though, I’ve had flowers and cards from so many people which is just lovely.
“None of us volunteer for recognition or for rewards.
“We all believe in the importance of being part of the community and supporting each other.
“Without the support of my family, friends, colleagues and the church family I wouldn’t be in a position to be nominated for an MBE so I’m accepting it on behalf of all those people and a thank you from me.”
Edna moved to Crook 60 years ago from Westerland, a small village in North Yorkshire where she learnt the value of community spirit.
She said: “It was a tiny village and our house was right at the centre.
“We had winters five or six times worse than this and I saw first hand from my parents how important community spirit is.
“I’ve always been moved by the Brownies motto which is you make sure everyone else is alright before yourself and you should do at one least good turn a day.
“If everyone did that, think how great our communities would be. I also believe in Jesus and the commandments, that we should treat our neighbour as we would like to be treated and that God put us here to look after each other.” She married her husband of 39 years Lesley when she was 18 and the pair had two children, Casey and Alan.
Edna hopes to take both children and their spouses Iain and Pat to Buckingham Palace when she receives her award from either the Queen or Prince Charles.
She said: “As long as I’m healthy I’ll keep volunteering.
“I really enjoy it and would like to thank everyone who has supported me in my life.”