Langham woman named in Queen’s Birthday Honours List

A Langham woman has been awarded an Order of the British Empire medal (BEM) in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to the community in Rutland.
By Nick Rennie
Published 9th Oct 2020, 22:45 BST
Patricia Ruddle, who has been awarded a British Empire Medal by The Queen, pictured in 2013 in her role as High Sheriff of Rutland, at a ceremony at Preston Church to celebrate the granting of £28,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the complete renovation of the church organ EMN-200910-115807001Patricia Ruddle, who has been awarded a British Empire Medal by The Queen, pictured in 2013 in her role as High Sheriff of Rutland, at a ceremony at Preston Church to celebrate the granting of £28,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the complete renovation of the church organ EMN-200910-115807001
Patricia Ruddle, who has been awarded a British Empire Medal by The Queen, pictured in 2013 in her role as High Sheriff of Rutland, at a ceremony at Preston Church to celebrate the granting of £28,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the complete renovation of the church organ EMN-200910-115807001

Mrs Ruddle, who is 68, served as High Sheriff of Rutland for the year 2013 to 2014 and has helped raised thousands of pounds for local charities and causes.

She was instrumental in setting up voluntary fundraising group, For Rutland, which supports Citizens Advice Rutland by funding two specialist advisors who help those with long-term health conditions get access to financial and practical help.

It raises around £90,000 a year with the one of the major activities being an annual Good and New Clothes Sale, which Mrs Ruddle has helped organise and promote for 22 years.

Mrs Ruddle has also used her experience as a pony club commissioner to organise ‘Ride for Rutland’ and ‘Fun Run for children’ events.

She has been a long term supporter and trustee at ‘Warning Zone’, which warns all 10-year-olds in both Rutland and Leicestershire about the dangers

of modern life, including the internet and knife crime, and teaches about taking responsibility.