We have some superb news to tell you all today with regards to one of our Committee Members of the Village Hall. The Committee is pleased to announce that our President, Audrey Weatherill has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the community in Barley.

To celebrate this fantastic news we thought we would have a short Q and A session with Audrey Weatherill MBE!

How long have you been involved in the Village Hall?

I have been involved with the Hall for about 45 years

How did you start getting involved with the Hall?

My father was on the Hall committee, then my husband became chairman. I was involved on the catering side of the hall then when the booking secretary left I took over for the year — I am still doing bookings now after 25 years!!

What do you enjoy best about Barley Village Hall?

The best parts are the friendships made, & I am very proud of our hall

When you’re not involved with the Hall, what else do you get up to?

I am involved with WI, past chairman of the Lancashire WI County Federation & was chairman of the Craft & Produce WI County Show for ten years. I was on the Lancashire Association of Village & Community Halls Committee as chairman then secretary. I am involved with the monthly coffee mornings & Patchwork & Quilting Group at the Village hall.

Where were you when you found out about your MBE?

I received a letter “On Her Majesty's Service” on the Saturday of the Model Exhibition while working in the kitchen. I could not tell anyone this was very difficult.

Who decided to put you forward for the award?

My name was put forward by the chairman of one of the Groups I am in along with supporting letters from all the other groups

On behalf of the Committee we are all extremely proud of Audrey’s MBE, Audrey has put countless hours in to making the Hall a huge success.