Minehead Resident Sue Shapland Celebrates 80th Birthday with BEM Award
Sue Shapland received her British Empire Medal at her 80th birthday party, honoring her dedication to organizing adventures for the elderly.
Minehead, UK, Sue Shapland, British Empire Medal, Exmoor Extroverts, Elderly Adventures
MINEHEAD: Sue Shapland just had a big celebration for her 80th birthday, and it was extra special because she received her British Empire Medal (BEM) there. This award recognizes her amazing work in organizing trips for older folks.
Even though her BEM nomination was announced last June, she only got the award recently at her birthday bash at Oak Manor Golf Club. About 130 friends from her group, Exmoor Extroverts, came to celebrate her big day, not knowing they’d also see her get honored.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammad Saddiq, was there to present the award and congratulate Sue. It was a proud moment for everyone involved.
Sue expressed her gratitude, saying she felt honored but emphasized that the group was just as important. She mentioned that she accepted the award on behalf of all the members who made it possible.
She started the Exmoor Extroverts back in 1999 after friends asked her to organize a trip to see Phantom of the Opera in Bristol. That trip was such a hit that she kept planning more, and now she arranges several overseas holidays and day trips each year.
Over the years, the Exmoor Extroverts have taken more than 1,000 people on adventures to places like Canada, Alaska, and New Zealand. The group has grown to about 700-800 members, with the oldest being a 95-year-old woman who traveled six times last year.
It was the members of this wonderful group who nominated Sue for the BEM, which is given to those who serve their community well. Sue found out about her nomination in a rather funny way, thinking it might be a parking ticket when she saw the envelope.
Now, as she turns 81, Sue is looking for someone to help her keep the group going. She loves bringing joy to others and doesn’t want the group to fold, especially since it helps so many people connect and enjoy life together.
She said, “It’s much more fun when you can share it with somebody else,” and that’s exactly what her group is all about.