Council praises community volunteer awarded MBE

Lewes District Council has congratulated Debbie Twitchen after being awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours for her outstanding activism and community work on behalf of residents.

Debbie has been Chair of the Tenants of Lewes District (TOLD), which represents all council tenants and leaseholders, since 2014, is chair of Landport Residents' Association and has been running Landport Foodbank since 2012. Debbie is chair of Landport Community Hub and a trustee at Pippa’s Group, a charity which supports local children and families.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Deputy Leader of Lewes District Council, paid tribute to the long-standing community volunteer, saying: "I am delighted Debbie has received this well-deserved recognition for her enduring and varied voluntary service encompassing years of tenant engagement work and an array of projects to support residents in Landport including her hard work running the food bank there.

"I commend her for her incredible community spirit and for speaking out and taking action on behalf of others who most need our help such as those who are vulnerable or on low incomes."

Debbie Twitchen said: “I firmly believe this this award is for everyone who works in any voluntary capacity across the entire district. Anyone who knows me will be aware that medals from the establishment do not sit comfortably with me, however I am truly grateful that the work of the many voluntary and community groups and organisations in the district have been recognised in this way. 

"Their work is needed now more than ever, and I thank each and every person who offers up their time in support of others."

An MBE is a Member of the Order of the British Empire and is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community which has had a long-term, significant impact.