A SHIRLEY couple who have dedicated their timed for more than 40 years to support the community have become the inaugural winners of a top award.
Ann and Malcolm Turner – known as ‘Mr and Mrs Shirley’ – were crowned joint recipients of the newly launched Scrivens Opticians and Hearing Care’s Community Hero Award.
The team at the Union Road store in Shirley, didn’t hesitate to nominate Ann and Malcolm, who have entrusted the branch with their eye and hearing care for more than four decades.
To show appreciation for their ongoing commitment, the couple were presented with a luxury afternoon tea hamper and voucher.
Ann said: “We were surprised and honoured to learn that the Scrivens team had nominated us for the Community Hero award, and we are proud to have received such an accolade.
“I was born in Shirley, and we’ve spent 56 happy years here, so the local area and its community means a great deal to us both. We are proud to have helped many great causes and supported many people over the years, earning us the nickname ‘Mr and Mrs Shirley’.”
Ann, 84, and Malcolm, 87, met in February 1959 and married at St James Church, Shirley, in September 1962.
The couple’s voluntary work began in 1978 when their son Glenn attended Woodlands Infant School at the age of four, and his parents proudly became part of the Parent Teacher Association.
Since then, the couple have been involved with and devoted time to support everything from the 7th Shirley Cub Scouts, St James Church, Shirley Residents Association and Keep Shirley Tidy.
They’ve also enjoyed a sustained association with the Shirley Institute, which has seen Ann author three books – one about the venue’s long history from 1901 to the present day and two about Shirley.
They jointly received the Spirit of Solihull Award in 2004 and in 2011 were one of the first Civic Honours Awards from Solihull Council to recognise their Community Involvement.
More recent milestones include planting a commemorative cherry tree on Neville Road village green to mark their Diamond Anniversary in 2023 and marking 28 years of the Crafts and Coffee Group they co-founded, which is held weekly at the Shirley Institute and members create items to raise funds for a variety of charities.
Jeanette Hipkiss, from the Union Road branch, said: “Ann and Malcolm are two of most remarkable people I’ve ever met.
“They’ve had an outstanding life so far, and it was inspiring to hear about the many voluntary roles they’ve taken and the charity fundraising events they’ve been involved in over the years. This decades-long commitment reflects their enduring dedication to community, family and local history.
“We’re delighted to give such a wonderful couple a well-earned treat and thank them for everything they have accomplished and continue to do for the Shirley community.”
