A RADCLIFFE grandmother, who helps prepare local military medics for service in war-torn Iraq and Afghanistan, has been honoured.
Mrs Noelle Rigby received a framed commendation in recognition of the ‘unstintingly excellent’ administrative service she has provided to 207 (Manchester) Field Hospital (Volunteers) in her role as administrative officer over the past six years at the Castle Armoury in Bury.
She received the award from Brigadier Max Marriner at the headquarters of 2nd Armoured Division in Edinburgh.
The grandmother of three has been a member of the civil service for 22 years and she joined G Squadron of ‘207’ on promotion to administrative officer when it was originally formed and the unit officially took over the running of the Castle Armoury in 2002.
Before that she worked as an administrative assistant at the Army Training Area at Holcombe Moor where she was responsible for a wide variety of tasks from typing duties to coordinating bookings.
In her current role her administrative responsibilities are even more diverse, and include IT support and training, the updating of pay and personnel documentation, recruitment of healthcare professionals and supporting staff, as well as the running of the Castle Armoury in support of Captain Geoff Hodgson.
Capt Hodgson said: “Noelle has also been instrumental in coordinating the mobilisation of Bury-based TA personnel on operational tours of duty to Afghanistan and Iraq. It is for that reason that I put her forward for this high profile commendation as she has undoubtedly played a significant part in ensuring the overall operational effectiveness of the unit, whilst at the same time delivering a high class administrative service to all of the members of the squadron.
“Noelle is exceptionally conscientious in the performance of her duties and it is through her unstinting dedication that she has provided an excellent and high quality standard of administration service to the unit. She fully justifies the commendation and can be truly proud of her overall performance.”
Mrs Rigby, aged 50, who has two grown up sons, lives in Bradley Fold with her partner, Captain Alan Fortuin who is a permanent staff member at 207 Field Hospital’s Stretford detachment.
