A LONG-SERVING former city and county councillor who has spent more than three decades serving the people of Worcester is among those honoured by Her Majesty the Queen.
Mary Drinkwater has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List published on Friday evening.
The popular former Mayor of Worcester spent 24 years as a county councillor, during which time she became the first female chairman of Worcestershire County Council for more than 25 years.
She also represented the people of St Stephen as a city councillor for 12 years from 1992 to 2004 and served as Mayor in 2000/01 during which time she welcomed Her Majesty to the Faithful City.
She has also served as an unpaid charity trustee and as Chair of South Worcestershire Policing board as well as a member of the West Mercia police authority.
Her campaigning spirit has seen amongst others, campaigns on saving the local Post Office, post box, bus routes, campaigns against excessive charges to those in warden controlled homes, a park and ride campaign, meals for the elderly as well as others directed towards road safety and supporting local schools
Born in the shadow of the city’s cathedral, Mary was an only child and was brought up in a single parent family for most of her childhood.
She has helped raise several thousands of pounds for charities and good causes such as St Richards Hospice, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Arthritis Research.
The dedicated councillor lost her county council seat to the Green Party in My 2013 at the age of 80 but remains involved with public life to this day.
She continues to be a governor at Perdiswell Primary School and St Barnabas CE Primary School with a combined total of more than 30 years of support.
A CHAMPION for inclusive sport has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.
Rebecca Foster, Course Leader for PE and Senior Lecturer in Adapted PE at the University of Worcester, has been recognised for services to inclusive sport and supporting young people to achieve their potential.
Rebecca has been a key player in the development of sporting opportunities for disabled people and women. She has been a volunteer with UK Deaf Sport for over 11 years, which has led her to three consecutive Deaflympics as their athletics coach and Team Manager. In July 2017 she took part in the London 100 miles Prudential Bike Ride raising over £1,000 for the Charity.
“I am so astonished that I have been awarded such a prestigious award and been recognised for work that I love doing,” she said. “I work with some amazing colleagues, friends and students that make my job a joy; I am truly honoured to have been put forward, let alone successful.”
