Top honour for Thurcroft woman

A THURCROFT woman has received an 80th birthday present she never expected - an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list.

Constance Shepherd has lived in the village since she was eight months old and counts teaching, bereavement counselling and setting up a troupe majorettes among her various achievements.

She also masterminded Thurcroft’s centenary celebrations in 2009 and receives her MBE for services to the community.

Mrs Shepherd, known as Connie, said: “I was my birthday on 2nd January so it was a lovely unexpected present.”

“I didn’t know anything about it until I got the letter. I was so shocked and surprised.”

“I’m not sure why I have been given an MBE but I think it’s for the centenary celebrations I helped to organise.”

Mrs Shepherd worked as a teacher at Dinnington High School, now Dinnington Comprehensive and was also a magistrate for 18 years.

She has also be a Cruse bereavement counsellor, ran a dance club for youngsters, has been an active member of the village’s branch of the Mothers’ Union and holds regular afternoon teas and collections to raise cash for Christian Aid.

“I’ve always had something to do which has been interesting. I’ve sort of gone from one thing to another. I am very grateful to have been recognised like this,” added the grandmother.

Also receiving an honour was South Yorkshire Police’s former chief constable Med Hughes, who was awarded a CBE.

The 53-year-old said he was ‘delighted’ with the honour which was a perfect retirement gift after 32 years in policing.

He said to be chosen was a brilliant end to his policing career.

He said: “The police service has been my life for 32 years, and I have been privileged to work with wonderful people who put serving the public above all else.”

“No major event – whether celebration or disaster – passes without the police ensuring public safety is paramount.”

“I’m pleased to have played a small part in leading the Service through such interesting times.”

He had been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the 2006 New Year’s Honours list.

Mr Hughes started his career in South Wales in 1979, transferring to West Yorkshire Police in 1995. He became an assistant chief in 1999, before moving to South Yorkshire three years later to take on the deputy role.

He served as the force’s chief constable from 2004 until he retired last year.