Early this year, Mrs. Maureen Hoole and Miss Barbara Tyrer were honoured with Benemerenti Medals, recognising their exceptional contributions to the church community.

Bishop Tom Neylon presided over the ceremony at Sacred Heart Parish, Chorley, joined by parish priest Fr. Francis Ball, with family, friends, and fellow parishioners in attendance.

The post-Mass celebration featured their favourite hymns, a flautist performance, and a poem read by Maureen's great-granddaughter, Florence, followed by light refreshments.

Maureen was brought up in the neighbouring Parish of St Joseph’s, where she met her husband, Johnny. They moved to Sacred Heart’s parish shortly after marrying and raised their three children there.

Maureen was the first of two female readers and the first of three Eucharistic ministers in the Parish. She sang in the choir and was lead organist for over 40 years. Maureen also took on the role of organising rotas for the readers and special liturgical events.

Maureen was also very active with many of the social club sand events in the Parish, including the Young Wives and the Bowling Team, and helped with the famous Donkey Derbies held here (including the famous appearance of Red Rum!)

Barbara was born in the parish and attended Bolton Mount St Joseph’s school with Maureen. The two travelled together, and Maureen, who was a few years older, helped Barbara settle into the new school.

Barbara had a varied career, studying for a degree in Biological Sciences at Liverpool University followed by qualifying as a teacher. She taught at several schools, both in the archdiocese and abroad in Sierra Leone.

Upon returning to England, she retrained as a nurse, and was later asked to be a Nurse Tutor at Manchester University on the first Nursing Degree Programme.

At Church, Barbara had several roles including Sacristan, reader, Eucharistic Minister, flower arranger, and organist. She was also Foundation Governor for many years at Sacred Heart Primary School.

Barbara was set an excellent example - her mother Mavis also gained the Benemerenti Medal in recognition of her work in the Parish. It is quite unusual for members of the same family to get this award!

Congratulations to both Maureen and Barbara, and thank you both for your hard work over the years.

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