Stourbridge women honoured for volunteer work (From Stourbridge News)

Stourbridge women honoured for volunteer work

6:11pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in Local

TWO Stourbridge women have been announced as Diamond Champions for their outstanding volunteer work.

Mary Orchard, aged 74, and Susan Wallin, aged 68, have been honoured alongside 58 other volunteers from around the Midlands by the WRVS as 60 Diamond Champions, which recognises the contribution people over 60 make through volunteering.

Mary, a retired primary school headteacher, is an active member of the Catholic parish of Our Lady and All Saints and always goes the extra mile for people in the community.

Meanwhile Susan has been honoured for her work with Stourbridge’s Side By Side theatre company.

Also being honoured is 81-year-old Ken Strike, from Halesowen, who has volunteered for The National Osteoporosis Society for at least 15 years and has also chaired the Dudley support group.

After being chosen from over 550 nominations, all 60 champions are set to attend a glittering celebration in Birmingham next week (Wednesday October 17), where they will be presented with a Diamond Champions pin plus certificate signed by WRVS joint patrons - The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

At the ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Hotel ten people champions will also be chosen by a judging panel to join 70 others from across the UK at St James’s Palace in London where they will meet Their Royal Highnesses on November 29.

Sam Ward, WRVS head of region for the Midlands, said: "It is with great pleasure that we announce the 60 Diamond Champions from the Midlands.

“They are truly deserving of the honour and it is justified recognition of the selfless work they do in their communities to help others.”