During the Jubilee weekend, many people from all over the country have been awarded a British Empire medal, including a local lady from Blakelaw.
Irene Teasdale, 70, received the honour for her services to the community, particularly during Covid-19. She has been an active member of the Blakelaw community for many years, and praised for her community work dating back to the 1990s.
Her cafe, Mrs T's in Blakelaw Community Centre, is described as a meeting point for the community, while she has also brought the community together in a number of other ways.
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Irene said: “I made Christmas hampers during the lockdown of 2021, and we received many generous donations. We put up a Christmas tree, which lightened up the community centre, and when people were on their walks they would come and see it and take pictures.
“I have participated in litter picks, feeding the homeless, the youth, and many more. I’ve been in Blakelaw all my life, I know so many people here and a lot of them know of me.
“I was so happy when I found out I got the British Empire Medal. I’m not after awards or showers of compliments, I just enjoy what I do and it comes from the bottom of my heart.”
Blakelaw ward councillor Linda Hobson said: “I was absolutely delighted to nominate Irene (Mrs T) for a Queen’s Honour. My nomination was supported by the local MP, Chi Onwurah, Glenn Pendleton, CEO of NCAT, and Oskar Avery, previous Blakelaw ward councillor.
“Irene Teasdale is an absolute pillar of the community. Like a pillar she is stalwart and supportive, lifting up the community. Her cafe itself also plays a vital role as a space for all ages and backgrounds to meet and mingle.
"She is also strongly involved in local community groups, particularly those helping older people, and is a key organiser of the bingo nights in the local residential care facility which combat loneliness, maintains mental agility, and bring generations together.
"She does not stop at bingo, though, and helps organise a full calendar from Santa visits to indoor sports. She also sits as a community councilor and on the board of NCAT, the local community organisation. In both roles she brings her passion for organisation to the fore, supporting activities for young and old in Blakelaw and surrounding communities.
“This was particularly highlighted during Covid when Irene led initiatives to support some of the most vulnerable across Blakelaw and Cowgate. She provides hampers, free children’s meals, and her cafe acts as a point of contact for advice and support.
“This is the first time I’ve ever nominated anyone for honour and I was so emotional when I found out the application had been successful, as Irene I’d so deserving of this recognition. I’ve had to keep it a secret from Irene for well over a year.
“It’s important that the work of local people like Irene is recognised. This means so much, not just to Irene, but to the whole community. We’re all so very proud of our Mrs T. It’s particularly rewarding that Irene received this on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as Irene has just celebrated her 70th birthday."
Dr Juna Sathian, community councilor for Blakelaw and North Fenham said: "It was wonderful to see Irene Teasdale honoured with the BEM; this recognition is very well deserved. As a Blakelaw resident and fellow community councillor, I have worked with Irene and have seen her dedication to the Blakelaw and the surrounding communities.
"Irene is passionate about helping people from all walks of life and has been instrumental in conducting several events to support the people and promote community cohesion. This ranges from older people get together, activities for youth, kids parties, community markets, free kids meals, hampers, and much more.
"Her cafe has also played an enormous part, which is a great meeting point for people. This recognition of Irene will inspire more people to participate in their communities. Congratulations to Irene, and looking forward to doing more work together for the community."
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