A VOLUNTEER who works tirelessly to help Acocks Green bloom has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).
Fran Lee was bestowed the honours in the King’s New Years Honours list for services to the community in Acocks Green.
Since 2012 Fran has been using her green fingers and passion for gardening and the environment to host activities and work on projects through Acocks Green Village in Bloom, where she is the co-ordinator.
Fran said: “I never thought that I would receive such an honour.
“My heart is in continuing to enhance Acocks Green with the support of the team and the community.
“I am so grateful to the people putting me forward – I never dreamed they thought so highly of me.”
Last year the Royal Horticultural Society awarded Acocks Green it’s eighth Gold Award in a row – and the group say this has been achieved thanks to Fran’s determination.
She was also involved in one of the first team projects was to transform a piece of waste ground into a Community Orchard in Mallard Close.
Over the years Fran has also been involved
Other major projects include improvements to the entrance of Acocks Green from Olton, on and around what is now widely referred to as ‘The Triabout’.
There have also been mass bulb-planting sessions, repainting street benches, new artwork on planters, Street Festivals, ‘Bloomin’ Good Night’ Social events, collaborations with Kimichi School for candlelit Christmas Music nights as well as very recently repaving and improvements to the frontage of Acocks Green Library.
