Community delight at Queen’s honour for Milland council clerk

SHE has been at the heart of village life for more than a quarter of a century and the tireless dedication of one parish clerk has been recognised by the Queen.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Jun 2015, 08:00 BST

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Milland Parish Clerk Lorraine Grocott, awarded a BEM for services to the communityMilland Parish Clerk Lorraine Grocott, awarded a BEM for services to the community
Milland Parish Clerk Lorraine Grocott, awarded a BEM for services to the community

Lorraine Grocott was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours last week.

When Lorraine started work as Milland Parish Council clerk, accounts were written by hand in an exercise book, the parish precept was around £3,000 and she used a second-hand typewriter bought from the market.

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Lorraine has since graduated to a computer system, the precept is around £25,000 and she has become one of the most highly qualified parish clerks in the country.

Lorraine said it was ‘very exciting’ to have been named in the Queen’s birthday honours.

“I have worked for a wonderful community for 26 years and it has never felt like a job, it has just become a part of my life.

“There are a great people here and we have built a really vibrant community in Milland. I have been extremely lucky to have such a wonderful group of councillors.”

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Editor of Milland News, Val Porter, said Lorraine ‘thoroughly deserved recognition’.

“Lorraine is woman enough not to flinch when protecting the interests of the community as a whole.

“As many people say, Lorraine is Milland.

“I have never met anyone else so utterly dedicated to her community. Milland is extremely lucky she chanced to come here to live 37 years ago.

“She does far more for us than is necessary in her role - it is a vocation rather than a job for her.”

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Jane Crawford is clerk to Stedham with Iping Parish Council. She said: “As fellow local clerks, we are delighted and congratulate Lorraine on her award, she thoroughly deserves it.

“Not only has she done great work for Milland for over 25 years and for Bepton and Elsted, but she has also been unstinting in her help and support to other clerks in our area.”

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Related topics:QueenQueen's Birthday Honours