BEAMINSTER is celebrating after a woman who arrived in the town at the age of 11 has been officially made an Honorary Townswoman.

Margaret Greenham, aged 78, has been recognised for her work in almost every town organisation.

Local councillors and dignitaries gathered to celebrate her induction to the role and her name has been added to the board in the town hall.

She was nominated by Mr Peter Brook and seconded by Maggie Warnett.

She said: “I am very honoured to be on the board in the town hall. It is there for life, it’s absolutely fantastic. I get a lot of satisfaction helping out in the community.

“It is a great honour to be honoured like this in the town.”

More than 120 people including local dignitaries gathered to an induction ceremony to celebrate Mrs Greenham’s new title.

She was presented with flowers, a parking permit and a scroll before enjoying an informal reception and speeches.

She added: “I was presented with a scroll which had a list of things on there which I can do as Townswoman and one of them includes being able to drive sheep over Prout Bridge – it is obviously dating back from many years ago.”

She started the twinning group with St James in France with the late David Jones which is still going from strength to strength.

In 2003 she was made an honorary citizen of St James. She has also been involved with the town’s band since she married her husband Tony 55 years ago. The couple have also been involved in organising concerts with the internationally acclaimed Faerie Band for the past 35 years and this year they were made life vice-presidents.

She added: “I enjoy all the things I do. I am also on the committee of the old Beaminster Grammar School Old Boys and Old Girls Association and help organise the reunions we have. I came here as a 11-year-old as a boarder to the grammar school.

“I met Tony because the town boys were always after the grammar school girls. We were only about 13 when we met.”

They married in March 28, 1959. They have four children, 14 grandchildren and one great grandson.

Mrs Greenham was a founding member of Beaminster Hockey Club, past committee member and chairman of Beaminster Playgroup, governor of Beaminster School for 10 years, an organiser of Beaminster’s 1984 Charter celebrations, member of the D-Day anniversary celebrations committee, St Mary’s PCC and churchwarden for 10 years, past committee member, chairman and president of Women’s section RBL, Poppy appeal collector and fundraiser, fundraiser for St Mary’ Church, founder member of Beaminster and District Twinning Association, past treasurer, chairman, and president, committee member of the Old Boys and Old Girls Association and a member of Beaminster WI.