BEM for Annfield Plain Resident

Gertie Ayer from Annfield Plain received the British Empire Medal from Mrs Sue Snowdon, H.M. Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham yesterday at Annfield Plain Central Methodist Church in front of a large gathering of friends, family and well wishers. Local MP Kevan Jones nominated Gertie for the award in recognition of her 75 years of voluntary work in the community at Lee Hill Hospital, Shotley Bridge Hospital (for 40 years) and for the last 30 years visiting the elderly at Stonleigh Care Home, in addition to voluntary work preparing meals and running coffee mornings at the church, work she still does aged 95. An Annfield Plain resident all her life, Gertie truly deserves her recognition and all the members and staff of the Town Council congratulate her.