Sue McQueen

A lifetime of contributing to the community has led to 88-year-old Sue McQueen being nominated for the Neighbourhood Champion award, sponsored by Reading Football Club.

Her nominator said: “So many people in the area know Sue because of her friendliness and kindness to all. It is impossible to walk through Caversham with her without her saying ‘hello’ to many people and others stopping her to speak.

“Sue never ever stops smiling. She thoroughly deserves to be recognised for everything she gives to the community.”

Sue came to Reading as a young woman when her husband started teaching in a local school, said the nominator.

Her three children were born and went to school here. Sue worked in a shop and ran a playgroup in Caversham for ten years, after the birth of her youngest daughter. Then she worked at WH Smith in Reading until retirement.

“As a result of running the playgroup Sue was asked to be a trustee of the Caversham Community Hall and spends hours every week dealing with the many bookings and accounts,” said her nominator, who listed Sue’s activities supporting the community.

She sang in a church choir in Caversham for many years and continues to be a church welcomer, communion assistant and wedding verger at St Peter’s, Caversham.

She is on the coffee rota for the Saturday morning café at church and after Sunday morning services.

“Sue helped set up the weekly 3Cs community café in Caversham where she is expert at the coffee machine and preparing snacks.”

She still sings weekly with the Silvertones Choir, sometimes in the town centre and in care homes.

“All this and the lovely, never boastful, Sue will be 89 in November,” said her nominator.