Two shop volunteers honoured in New Year Honours List
Congratulations to two of the shop’s long-serving volunteers, Bob and Pat Earl, who were both awarded British Empire Medals for ‘services to the community in Radley’ in the New Year Honours List 2024.
Bob and Pat have been involved with the Radley Village Shop since it opened in May 2007 and, in Bob’s case, before this as he project-managed the fitting out of the premises. Once the Shop opened, Bob took care of maintenance issues, a role he continued when he stepped up to become Chairman of the Management Committee in 2011. Bob served as Chairman for 11 years, finally stepping down in 2022 having led the Shop through the challenges of Covid and lockdown. He still works regular shifts in the Shop behind the counter.
Pat soon expanded her volunteer involvement with the Shop by becoming part of the operations team supporting the Shop Manager in 2008 and joining the Management Committee in 2009. She stood down from the operations team and the Management Committee in 2022 but, like Bob, continues to work regular shifts serving customers.
In addition to supporting the community in Radley through the Village Shop, Bob and Pat have been heavily involved over the years in supporting other community organisations including Oxfordshire Scouting, St Michael at the North Gate Church in Oxford, and the Oxford Winter Night Shelter.
About The Author
