Four new Mirfield ambassadors awarded at Civic Service

Mirfield’s new ambassadors were officially named during the town’s Civic Service at St Paul’s.

They are Frank Wright, Pauline Rodgerson, Flight Lieutenant Peter Doubell and the Reverend Michael Stopford.

All four have served the town in different ways and were nominated for an ambassador badge by members of the public.

Previously named ambassadors include Mirfield-born A-lister Sir Patrick Stewart and teenage shooting sensation Jake Healey.

Mr Wright was named an ambassador for his decades of charity work. He has organised fundraising auctions for countless organisations and is now an active member of Mirfield Rotary Club.

Music maestro Mrs Rodgerson was awarded for the 50 years she has been organist at St Andrew’s Methodist Church.

The 73-year-old is also choirmistress at the church in Old Bank Road.

Flt Lt Doubell earned his ambassador badge by serving as squadron commander of 868 (Mirfield) Squadron Air Training Corps.

In that role, he has overseen the training and development of dozens of young air cadets in the town.

He was unable to attend the service on Sunday, but his award was collected on his behalf by his wife Sue.

Mr Stopford returned to Mirfield especially for the service, which was led by the Rev Hugh Baker.

He recently moved away from the town after serving for nine years as minister at St Andrew’s and Trinity Methodist Church.

The Mayor of Mirfield, Coun David Pinder, launched the ambassadors scheme in 2010 and said that Sunday’s service was well attended.

“The new ambassadors were obviously popular choices with the congregation,” he said.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Stan Hardy attended the service and a minute’s silence was held in honour of Sergeant Gareth Thursby and Private Thomas Wroe, the two Yorkshire Regiment soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Saturday.