Patricia honoured for voluntary work in Merville

Newtownabbey woman Patricia Pepper has been recognised in The Queen’s Birthday Honours for her voluntary and conservation work in Merville Garden Village spanning almost 30 years.
Patricia Pepper is to receive the MBE.Patricia Pepper is to receive the MBE.
Patricia Pepper is to receive the MBE.

She is to be made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for voluntary services to the community.

As a volunteer in Merville Residents’ Association since 1987, Patricia has devoted countless hours to the area and its people through numerous initiatives, campaigns and events. She has served as treasurer, secretary and chairperson of the association and was editor of its newsletter, The Merville Bulletin.

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Most significantly, in April 2000, as a member of the residents’ association, Patricia initiated and spearheaded the impressive £1.2million social economy project to sympathetically restore the severely rundown Merville House.

Commenting on the MBE honour, Patricia, a University of Ulster business studies graduate, said: “It is a truly wonderful occasion to be formally recognised by Her Majesty The Queen and Government for my voluntary work.

“From day one, it has been an absolute privilege and joy to pull out all the stops on behalf of Merville Garden Village. There have been many enjoyable moments, but the high point in my endeavours, and what I am most proud of, is the central role I played in the landmark refurbishment of Merville House. It is my abiding legacy to Merville and the wider community.”