Local woman awarded for services to Atworth

At a special meeting of Atworth Over 55s last week, local woman Marjorie Long was given an award for her outstanding service to Atworth village. 

Marjorie, 95, moved to Atworth in 1940 and was the founder of Atworth Girl Guides, which she ran for 42 years. She has also been president of the village’s Women’s Institute, and assisted with the running of the Atworth Flower Show.

Chair of Atworth Parish Council, Effie Gale-Sides, presented Marjorie with a certificate, flowers and wine. Councillor Gale-Sides said, “I feel privileged to give this award as it was extremely well deserved, and long overdue.

“Alongside her great contributions to village organisations, Marjorie is a caring and considerate friend to many villagers,  whose lives have been enriched by her friendship and help. She has been at the heart of helping to make Atworth a living and caring community.”

Marjorie said, “I have enjoyed working with the Guides and watching them grow up into independent young women; it never seemed like such a long time to me. Lots of things have changed, and lots of my friends are not here for many reasons, but I have always loved living in Atworth. I have always been very, very happy here.”