A HATFIELD Heath woman with very close links to Harlow through her fundraising and volunteering has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the local community in the King’s New Years Honours.

Margaret Lines, aged 84, ran a not-for-profit Hatfield Heath village playgroup for almost thirty years.

She has also been chair of the Harlow Playhouse supporters group and has been a supporter of the Razed Roof drama group at the theatre for 16 years; the award winning performing arts group offers opportunities to young people and those with severe learning difficulties and disabilities.

Margaret also volunteers for St Clare Hospice.

Sarah Thompson, St Clare Hospice CEO, said: “On behalf of the whole hospice, congratulations to Margaret.

“She’s an amazing supporter and a shining example of the volunteers who are the heart of St Clare.

Margaret’s warmth, enthusiasm, and care make her a true asset at hospice events, always offering a listening ear to supporters and bereaved families.”

Margaret is also closely linked with the Heath Players for over fifty years.

The main hall is named after her late husband, Peter Lines. Their son is the well-known Daily Mirror reporter Andy Lines.

Her reaction to being awarded the BEM was indicative of her selfless determination to make a difference.

Margaret told the Stortford Indie: “It’s incredible, isn’t it? I just sort of organise things – it’s not me, it’s everybody who’s supported me,” said Margaret. “It’s an award for family, friends and acquaintances.”

Although a recent setback from a broken hip stalled her work, the mother of two sons and grandmother of seven is determined to “keep going as long as I can”.

May all of us at YourHarlow congratulate you Margaret for this well deserved award and your years of dedicated service.