Oxspring man gets gong in Ner Year's Honours list

AN OXSPRING man is to receive a British Empire Medal after receiving a gong in the New Year’s Honours list.

John Wade, 92, is to receive the medal ‘For services to the community in Oxspring, South Yorkshire.’

The lifelong resident of Oxspring has spent over 50 years in public office, worling tirelessly to improve the village and the quality of life of its residents.

His work played a role in cleaning up the River Don and having an unwanted sewage works development being moved to a different location.

He has served on both the Penistone Rural District Council and the Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. This led to the building of bungalows for the elderly. He also had an input into the education of local children, serving as a governor for Oxspring Primary School for 50 years, only stepping down two years ago.

Although he celebrates his 93 rd birthday this month, John is still very much involved in the community, contributing to policing meetings.

John, a successful engineer, came up with the idea of the ‘long vehicle’ signs now used on trucks.

John told Look Local:

I’ve known for a while that I was getting the BEM but you’re not allowed to say anything until it’s announced. It was very nice to know that what I’ve done has been recognised."

There’s an old saying – ‘it is better than to have done and not be recognised than recognised and to not done".

I have been to Buckingham Palace twice before, representing the local council association and with the metropolitan council but it’s always nice to get another invite!”