The pioneering duo behind the Treacle Market are among Macclesfield residents named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour’s List.
Jane Munro and Debbie Quinn have been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to business and the community.
After running a one-off farmer’s market at the relaunch of the Barnaby Festival in 2010 the pair saw an opportunity and the next month, with a humble handful of stalls, Treacle Market was launched.
It is now an eagerly awaited monthly event featuring 150 vendors which has seen increased footfall to the town and new shops open on the back of its success.
It was named as one of the top ten UK Farmers Markets by The Independent in 2013 and was shortlisted for the BBC Food and Farming Awards for Best Food Market in 2012.
Debbie, 52, of Eddisbury Terrace, Macclesfield, said the pair were ‘chuffed to bits’ by the award.
She said: “We are delighted and really proud. The market was just our idea, it’s success has been down to the great makers and producers, and the community which has supported it no matter what the weather.”
There was also recognition for selfless Sutton resident Christine Eyre who has been awarded the BEM for services to the community.
The 71-year-old served as parish councillor from 1988 until May, 2015, and served as chairman three times. Through her role as councillor she became governor at Hollinhey Primary School for 25 yeas.
Christine, of Minor Avenue, Lyme Green, was chair of the Sutton Parish Millennium Committee, served on the committee of St James Church’s Sutton Hob Nob Club for over 20 years and organises the annual sunflower competition.
She said: “I was delighted to be nominated for the award and very humbled.
“When you work for the community like me you don’t expect recognition like this.”
Christine got involved in the community when she moved to Sutton after marrying her husband of 45 years Ken.
She said: “When you live in a beautiful area like Sutton, Lyme Green and Langley, you do you best to keep it that way.
“It has been fun being at the cut and thrust of local politics but last May I decided it was time to step aside for the next generation. I miss it greatly, but it is time for new blood to take the villages forward.”
