After more than 25 years of dedicated service, Jenny Hursell, the Clerk to Southwold Town Council, has been made an MBE in the 2012 New Year’s Honours list in recognition of her long years of service to Southwold’s community.
Ms Hursell began her role as Clerk on 1st October 1985, and retired in June 2011. During her 25 year service she played key roles in the Millennnium Hall project, Reydon Corps of Drums and Southwold Primary School.
She became secretary of Southwold’s Millennium Foundation and continued to be heavily involved in many local charities.
The MBE represents the end of a significant year for Ms Hursell, who became a grandmother twice as well as retiring and publishing her first book, Southwold Street Names.
Ms. Hursell certainly deserved this distinct honor. On my several trips to Southwold, Suffolk, UK (our “mother town”) from Southold, Suffolk, (L.I.)NY, Jennie was always gracious, helpful and most willing to show us,usually with the Town Mayor, the records, photos, etc. that helped us trace our roots to the mid-1600s when our ancestors left Southwold for the New World. She also arranged several wonderful receptions with the Town Mayor and the Town Council in our honor. I look forward to reading her new book about street names in Southwold. I am sure Jennie Hursell is missed very much at Southwold’s Town Hall while enjoying her well-earned retirement.