in the Kings Birthday Honours list

SALLY Ralston, Community involvement Manager at Merseyrail has been recognised in the inaugural King's Birthday Honours list, receiving a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to the community of the Liverpool City Region.

She was nominated for her work leading the community engagement programme at Merseyrail, which over the years has raised close to £1m for local charities and community organisations.

The programme, which aims to engage with a broad range of railway stakeholders across the Liverpool City Region, has several aspects from co-ordinating the work of local community rail partnerships, engaging with Schools and colleges to educate young people about the opportunities and risks the railway presents, to the Charity of the Year Programme which has raised close to £1million for 16 local Charities across our City Region. The programme was recognised by the British Quality Foundation as the winner of their Sustainability and Society Award in 2019.

Sally has had a long and distinguished career working for the City Region's rail operator in a number of roles for the last 32 years and leading Merseyrail's community involvement efforts since 2008.

Sally Ralston BEM said:- "I am delighted and slightly overwhelmed to receive the British Empire Medal. I've come to work every day for the last 32 years because I enjoy what I do, I'm passionate about Merseyrail and our communities and it's been a lovely surprise to be recognised in this way. To be even nominated for an honour is a slightly surreal experience and I'm left with an overwhelming sense of pride that all the efforts we have put in over the years are being recognised. Merseyrail is a great team, and this award reflects the work we have all done to engage our communities in the railway that serves them."

Jane English, Acting Managing Director, at Merseyrail said;- "We are so proud that Sally has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours, receiving the British Empire Medal. For 32 years, Sally has dedicated herself to ensuring Merseyrail is at the heart of our community, raising close to £1million for local charities through her work championing our Charity of the Year programme and other initiatives. Her drive, commitment and passion for our communities is infectious and has played a significant part in building Merseyrail's reputation as the best rail operator in the UK. Merseyrail exists to deliver a railway that the people of the communities we serve can be proud of and it's down to the efforts of colleagues like Sally, that we are able to consistently deliver this aim."

Sally will receive her award from the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside in a ceremony later in the year and will be invited to attend a Royal Garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Gain experience and skills with volunteering roles at WWT Martin Mere this summer

LOOKING to make the most of your summer holidays? WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough is searching for volunteers to help out as Summer Visitor Experience Assistants supporting the exciting Drawn to Water event.

The opportunity is perfect for students looking for some experience for University applications or those looking for work and would like the experience for their CV. It offers a chance to learn valuable skills and enhance your CV, all whilst supporting a wetland charity.

As a Visitor Experience Assistant, you will be directly involved in shaping the visitors' unforgettable experiences through your warm welcome, interaction and the information that you provide.

Di, 1 of the Visitor Services Volunteers, has been volunteering with Martin Mere for over 3 years. She said:- "It's a happy place to be a volunteer. I really enjoy meeting the public, talking to them and hearing their stories. It's also been great to learn about the different species at the centre, and the social side of volunteering has also been brilliant. It's a super place and I'd shout it from the rooftops; volunteering at Martin Mere is amazing!"

No experience or expert knowledge is required to volunteer; you just need to be friendly and outgoing. Training will also be provided.

Victoria Fellowes, Visitor Experience Manager, said:- "WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is grateful for the support and enthusiasm of volunteers in helping us achieve our goals. As a charity, we wouldn't be able to do what we do without the help of our amazing volunteers. We look forward to welcoming people eager to join our volunteer team and help us to connect our visitors with the wonderful world of wetlands."

If you are able to volunteer for 1 or 2 days a week, from:- 19 July to the end of August 2023, should apply through their volunteering website and they will be in touch with more information.