New Year’s Honours List 2010
Released 00.01 GMT Thursday 31 December
Order of the British Empire
Members of the Order of the British Empire
Margaret, Mrs. ROBINSON. For services to the community in Trimdon, County Durham.
Mark Robberts, a local author and contributer to “The Trimdon Times” website was a little frustrated when Peggy refused an interview when mentioned in the New Years Honours List. He was determined that she should have some recognition in the local community and published the following article:
New Year’s Honours List 8th Jan 2010
Margaret (Peggy) Robinson, from Trimdon Village, is to receive an MBE for her services with the Children’s Society and to the local community. Apparently wanting very few to know of this honour, Margaret has declined to give newspaper interviews, which friends say is typical or her whole demeanor and self-effacing attitude. The ceremony will be held at St. James’ palace in the near future
A RIGHT ROYAL AFFAIR
Just over 18 months ago, I had decided to put together an article for the local press. My ‘target’ was a lady who, I had been told, over more years than most of us would care to admit, had devoted much of her time, effort and personal time ceaselessly raising funds all of which went to the Children’s Society. But my article never came about, if only because the lady in question did not want the publicity. However, in the course of my interview I was immediately and deeply impressed, for it appeared that this lady had taken on not one but a basket of tasks that would have daunted even the most stout-hearted. Parish support for the Society; street collections, with much of the work involved undertaken by herself. Distributed collection boxes to willing households; organised coffee mornings throughout the year. An annual sponsored ‘knit’ that has been a successful money raiser. The ‘Christingle Service’, which each year in the church of St Mary Magdalene unites parents and children and has become as part of village/parish life. It is not easy to calculate exactly how much these events have raised for the Society over the last 40 years, but it is certainly in excess of £60,000.But that is not all; this lady has taken a great interest in village life. Even finding time over all of these years to keep a photographic record of village life, a collection that will eventually be donated to the Parish for future generations to appreciate. For me however, what stood out at that interview was the lady’s self-effacing modesty; the fact that she wanted little or no recognition for what amounted to a lifetime’s dedication. It was a record that had to have some official recognition. So it is now right and fitting that this remarkable lady should be nominated for and awarded the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire. For you, Margaret (Peggy) Robinson, MBE, this order is richly deserved.
Mark Robberts.
Obituary.
ROBINSON Margaret (Peggy) Peacefully in hospital on Friday, March 3, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Peggy aged 88 years of Trimdon Village. Son Eric and daughter Anne welcome friends and family to attend the funeral service at St Mary Magdalene Church, Trimdon Village, on Saturday, March 11, at 11.30am. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if so desired to The Children’s Society and St Mary Magdalene Church funds, plate at church.
Anne Summers, Peggy’s daughter, gave an eulogy, part of which is reproduced below, this describes Peggy to a tee.
ADVENTUROUS, MISCHIEVOUS and DAFT: No one could ever say Mam didn’t live life to the full, right until the end. Who else would take a flying lesson in a 2 man plane from Fishburn at the age of 88? Or go on a hot air balloon ride over Durham on for her 80th birthday? From those early adventures in Askrigg, the motor bike years with Billy, moving to the north of Scotland to live in an old manse in a remote area, she was always willing to take a risk. One of her mottos in life was ‘try something new every day’. This could be anything from a very small change in routine to a much larger adventure like flying. (I was a bit worried it would be parachuting next!)
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