Freedom of the Parish for Carol Chorley, MBE

As many of you will know Carol Chorley was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2018. She was awarded an MBE for the “time, energy and care she had given to the Sarratt Community for over 30 years”.

For those that don’t know about all the work Carol does, here’s a quick snap-shot;

  • Carol is a member of the local Royal British Legion committee and plays a huge role organising both the Remembrance Services at Holy Cross and on the Green each November, as well as fund raising throughout the year
  • She is a Trustee of the Days Charity which manages the Alms Houses opposite Holy Cross, and helps those in need find accommodation in the Village
  • And perhaps most significantly, Carol is the very active Chair of Sarratt Care, which via a small army of over 80 volunteers, organises coffee mornings and lunches each month, chiropody and hairdressing appointments, a ‘meals on wheels’ service, and hospital transport for those who need assistance.

As the Parish Council we were also keen to recognise the incredible contribution Carol has made to our community over many, many years, and indeed continues to do so still. We were therefore delighted to be able to present Carol with the “Freedom of the Parish” at this year’s Community Christmas Lunch on Tuesday 10th December.

This is the highest honour a Parish can bestow on one of it’s residents, and Carol may now be know as a Freeman of the Parish – or maybe that should be Freeperson!! Freedom of the Parish is granted very rarely, by any Parish Council, which makes it all the more significant in terms of recognising the amazing work Carol does for our community.

To mark the occasion, Carol was presented with a certificate and flowers by Sarah Dobson, Chair of the Parish Council, and in due course her name will be added to the Freedom of the Parish plaque which sits on the wall in the rear room of the Village Hall.