Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board member and Chair of Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre and STEP Development Trust Graham Silverwood has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s Honours list.
The honour recognises Graham’s services to the community in Stocksbridge after almost 30 years of involvement in local organisations.
This includes previous work with Deepcar Village Hall and Stocksbridge Futures Partnership alongside his ongoing work with the Venue, Stocksbridge Leisure Centre and the Towns Fund Board.
Graham is currently the board representative for the Stocksbridge Sports Hub Project, which includes the cricket pavilion project and the Bracken Moor 3G pitch.
Commenting on the honour, Graham said: “I was very surprised but honoured to receive the award and feel that it is also partly recognition of the organisations I am part of.
“I have received so many very kind and generous messages since the news broke it has been quite humbling.
“I look forward to receiving my honour later this year.”
Co-Chair of the Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board Marie Tidball MP said:
“I am absolutely thrilled Graham has been named in the King’s New Year’s Honours list, receiving the British Empire Medal, for his tireless work serving our community.
“He has been instrumental in the success of community charities and projects for Stocksbridge for decades and continues to serve the town through his work with the Towns Fund Board, the Venue and the Community Leisure Centre.
“I had the pleasure of working closely with him on our recent 7km swim fundraiser to raise money for an accessible changing room at the Leisure Centre. He’s a gentle giant who puts local people first and I am delighted to see his hard work recognised. I look forward to continuing to work with him to bring real change to Stocksbridge through the Towns Fund Board’s projects.”