A long-serving volunteer has been recognised for her significant contribution to village life.

Shirley Taylor, 84, who has lived in the Meopham since birth, runs the Royal Voluntary Service’s over 60s club in the village and has done so for the last 42 years.

She was awarded a Kent Association of Local Councils’ award for her significant contribution to the community, having been nominated by Meopham Parish Council.

The club was set up in 1947 and now meets on two Wednesday afternoons a month at Chinery Court.

Around 15 people come to each session, enjoying a variety of activities including lunches and outings.

In addition to running the club, Mrs Taylor was also nominated for her involvement at Meopham Green Baptist Church where she organises lunches, arranges flowers and helps at the Sunday school as well as other village celebrations.

She said: “I’ve always had a love for older people. They know more than I do and I love listening to their stories. The knowledge I get from them is fascinating. “It’s lovely to see them happy and to know they go away happy and have had a break. “To receive the award was completely unexpected. I was thrilled and overwhelmed. I’ve always been happy to do things behind the scenes, so to receive the award was a huge surprise.”

The club offers older people an opportunity to get out of the house, see friends and meet new people. Activities aim to reduce the feeling of isolation and loneliness.

Sarah-Jane Walsh, Royal Voluntary Service community development and operations manager, said: “I would like to congratulate Shirley on behalf of everyone at Royal Voluntary Service. She is an incredible example of the hard work and dedication of all our volunteers. She should be incredibly proud of what she does; she makes a massive difference to the older people she helps, and I’m sure she would agree that she also thoroughly enjoys her work.”

Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with over 20,000 members supporting thousands of people each month in hospitals, at home and in the community.

n For more, visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk