'Marvel' Mary honoured for community work

A PILLAR of the community in Stapleton and Begbrook has been honoured by the King.

Mary Golledge has given her time as a volunteer for more than 50 years, helping found the Stapleton and Begbrook Community Association and Duchess Ladies Club, volunteering for a local medical charity and collecting shoeboxes filled with presents for disadvantaged children.

Her tireless work was recognised with the award of the British Empire Medal in the latest New Year Honours list, for services to the community in Begbrook and Stapleton.

Mary celebrated the news with family and friends at her 90th birthday party on January 2 at the Stapleton and Begbrook Social Club - the community centre in Frenchay Park Road she helped create more than 40 years ago.

At the party she received birthday messages from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and her local MP, Kerry McCarthy.

Mary said: “It is such a surprise to get this honour from the King. Never in a million years did I think something like this would happen to me.

"All I have ever tried to do is to help others in whatever way I can, no matter how small.”

Mary has lived in Stapleton since 1954, moving there after she and her late husband Stan married.

A community association founder member, she fundraised to help build the club and has continuously served on the association’s committee since it was founded, including long stints as secretary and treasurer.

The Duchess Ladies Club ran for 50 years from 1971 to 2021, for women to socialise and raise thousands for good causes.

Mary volunteered at Headway Bristol, which was based at Frenchay Hospital, for 26 years between 1990 and 2017, helping survivors of brain injuries relearn how to speak, read and cook.

And she has sent more than 1,500 shoeboxes of donated gifts to disadvantaged children in countries including Bulgaria and Romania over 25 years - sending 70 last Christmas.

Club chair Pam WilliamsLock is a long-time friend, neighbour and committee colleague.

She said Mary still volunteers at the club every Sunday for bingo night, and attends karaoke nights on Tuesdays.

Pam said: "She worked on the bar for many years until she was no longer able to stand for long periods, but still organises fundraising raffles, as well as her Christmas box collections.

"She's an absolute marvel, and she's still working for the community at 90.

"Everyone knows Mary. You will always find her sat on the door on a Sunday - I've never known her to miss it or take a holiday.

"You don't get them like her any more."