A FORMER Mayor of Wem has spoken of her amazement and love for the town after officially receiving her British Empire Medal (BEM).
Pauline Dee received the award in the New Year's Honour's List and was officially presented with it by the Shropshire Lord Lieutenant, Anna Turner in Wem Town Hall on Wednesday (April 12).
The former Wem town and Shropshire councillor was awarded the medal for her services to the town.
She was joined by family members and was emotional at receiving her medal.
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Pauline said: "I am absolutely amazed. I am just so delighted.
"It is quite nerve-racking because I get quite emotional about Wem because I love it so much.
"I have been so blessed by having so many people here."
Pauline thanked her family for their support.
She said: "I could not have done it without them, particularly my youngest Joanne.
"She was always there hanging on my arm.
"She used to help me deliver leaflets."
Pauline was the first female mayor of Wem and spoke about how not many women were involved in local politics.
She said: "When I went on the town council in 1981 I was the only woman. There were 11 men and me.
"In 1984, I was appointed deputy mayor then I was the first female mayor from 1985 to 1986."
Pauline also spoke about her proudest achievements.
She said: "I am proud to have achieved what we did with the money that we received.
"We set up the Wem Economic Forum with the district council and that helped us get money into Wem which we desperately needed.
"We saw that pavements were sorted - and everything we did with the forum was done through public consultation."
Another special honour will see Pauline attend a coronation garden party next month at Buckingham Palace.
She said: "I am looking forward to it. I would love to meet His Majesty."
Pauline added: "I met the Queen. I welcomed her on behalf of the parish and town council when she visited Craven Arms.
"I also met the Duke of Edinburgh."
Also to receive the prestigious award was Wem Cricket Club stalwart Graham Furber for his services to disabled sport, cricket and the town.
Graham said: "I am quite humbled.
"It is nice for someone to say thank you and feel that I have done a good job."
He also spoke about his long involvement in Wem Cricket Club.
He said: "They have always been my club.
"I first went down to the club when I was 10 and I made my debut at 14 and I played till I was 60.
"I have never played for anyone else."
Graham mentioned his proudest moment was when disabled cricketers played at Lords, the home of English cricket.
He said: "My proudest moment was the first time the disabled teams played in Lords.
"Lords was very supportive
"I ran England disabled squad and we played Wales."
The Lord Lieutenant congratulated both Pauline and Graham.
She said: "You are exceptional and I am so proud to have been in a position to place those medals on you.
"You should feel very proud of what you have achieved."
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