[A] South Lakeland councillor says she has been overwhelmed by messages of congratulations after being recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Cllr Anne Hall, who has represented the ward of Coniston and Crake Valley on South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) since 2000, is to be made an MBE for services to Lakeland communities.
Cllr Hall said: “I have been incredibly proud to serve my local community over the years. You don’t do it for the recognition, you do it because you feel passionately about local people, the importance of village life and doing whatever you can to enable communities to remain active.
“Keeping the news of my MBE a secret has been very difficult over the past few weeks and I would just like to say thank you for all the many loving messages I have received by card, text and email.”
Cllr Hall has not had a TV in her home since 2000, preferring instead to spend time with people in her local community.
She is passionate about affordable housing in South Lakeland, is a champion of greater opportunities for young people and has been raising money for the NSPCC for more than 40 years.
Cllr Giles Archibald, Leader of SLDC, said: “Congratulations to Cllr Hall who continues to work energetically and passionately for the residents of South Lakeland. I am absolutely delighted for her, this recognition is so well deserved.”
The Chief Executive of SLDC, Lawrence Conway, added: “Cllr Hall is driven and works tirelessly for the local community. Her MBE is a fitting reward for many years of selfless service.”
James Airey, Leader of the Conservatives in Cumbria County Council who was only narrowly beaten by Tim Farron at the General Election earlier this month, said: “I am really delighted that Anne Hall’s dedication and hard work has been recognised in this way. It is richly deserved.”
Windermere Councillor Ben Berry, Leader of the Conservatives at South Lakeland District Council, said: “Anne has been the leading force in delivering new homes for local people and better local services for local people and encouraging positive involvement of her community. Anne’s knowledge and understanding about the rural community which she still serves has been her consuming passion for over 50. She has been rightly recognised with various awards over the years, but for the Queen to have given her this particular honour is of particular pleasure to me and my colleagues and I am sure will be warmly welcomed by colleagues from across political divides.”
