Couple celebrate New year MBEs

A ROTHERHAM couple are feeling blooming honoured after they were both awarded MBEs.

Treeton couple Roy and June Bloom, aged 79 and 80 respectively, received their award for services to the ex-mining community after 27 years spent fundraising and organising activities.

Since 1983, they have been treasurer and secretary of the local methodist chapel, involved in the life of the church and the community.

Their commitment has grown over the years, providing leadership, both of a religious and social nature.

The couple, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2002, have also both been MCs at a regular tea dance held at the church for older members, not only from the Treeton community but also from nearby Catcliffe and Brinsworth.

It has taken up much of their time and energy, involving organising the dances and also additional fund-raising and social events.

The dance has brought pleasure to hundreds of people over the years.

Their enthusiasm for fund-raising is inspiring and they have helped furnish the Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice and fitted it out with specialist equipment.

"It's fantastic," said June. "It's for a lot of our friends and relatives who have contributed towards us getting the medals.

"They've helped us raise money over the last 20-odd years. We've done it all for them."

Roy, who was born in Treeton, and June, who originates from Brinsworth, were married at Treeton Methodist Church inn March 1952 and have lived for the past 55 years at Worrall Avenue, Treeton.

Roy worked for National Grid, retiring as a sub-station attendant after 40 years' service.

June worked at Steel, Peech and Tozer and for the British Oxygen Company before retiring.