Marigold Farnell-Watson, better known as 'Bunny' and a 'wonder' to her friends and colleagues, has been awarded an OBE for services to the Community.

The honour recognises her contribution as the creator and ward Co-ordinator for Neighbourhood Watch for South Richmond some 30 years ago.

She arrived from the US in 1992 and, having experience of the Neighbourhood Watch philosophy in her native California, rallied the community to do the same here.

From an initial neighbourhood mail dropping, she – with police support – organised a public meeting which attracted more than 200 residents to discuss crime and safety issues.

What started with four volunteer street coordinators on four streets has grown into a network of 55 coordinators on 53 streets.

Bunny was a computer teacher at a local school for 15 years. Separately, she has organised many public events and street parties to mark Royal milestones, including Jubilees and weddings.

On retiring from the organisation, she said: "Put very simply, Neighbourhood Watch brings people together, not just in terms of crime and safety, but in the wider sense of being there for one another, come what may.

"My adventure 30 years ago has made me thousands of friends, and, I hope, the streets of Richmond safer and friendlier."

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She was awarded the Borough Commander Commendation from the Richmond Borough Operational Command Unit of the Metropolitan Police in March 2018 for 'outstanding and consistent contribution to community engagement and crime prevention through Neighbourhood Watch'.

And in February 2021, she received a Highly Commended Lifetime Achievement Award from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Bunny's successor, Beverley Picton, described her as a 'wonder'.

She said: "Over 28 years ago Bunny was solely responsible for establishing the South Richmond Ward Neighbourhood Watch Scheme (SRNW) prompted by the wish to connect her neighbours.

"The SRNW now has 55 streets coordinators and 1,941 members and the community has benefitted over so many years from her incredible local knowledge, effective enthusiasm, and organisational prowess to highlight local issues and seek solutions for residents, the local council and law enforcement alike.

"She developed strong relationships with local police but equally was ready to call them to account and suggest how their service to the community could be improved. Her approachability, prompt responsiveness and effectiveness are appreciated by all.

"At just over 70 years of age, she deservedly retired in October 2021, and my husband Jeff and I took over her role. It takes two people to fill her shoes!

"Over the years Bunny has given so much of her time to enhance the safety and security of the local community and fully deserves this OBE in reward and recognition."

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