Track to success
469. Margaret Rogers
A retired Parish Councillor oversaw the fundraising and design of a BMX track in Kinver to keep young people active.
Margaret Rogers helped launch Kinver Action Group (KAG) over eight years ago to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour in the village. Since then the KAG has delivered a number of youth-orientated projects in the area. This includes the creation of a professional standard BMX track that has drawn in young people from across the county and even professional bikers from as far as 20 miles away. The experienced bikers act as mentors and role models for some of the less experienced youngsters using the facility.
Margaret led efforts to raise over £23,000 to create the track and secured advice on the design from the professional mountain bike athlete Ricky Compton. Her unwavering commitment to young people, motivated by her passion for her community, saw her raise further funds to refurbish the track last year. This is after helping to raise £115,000 for a skate park in the village in 2010.
It’s not just on the bike tracks of Kinver that Margaret has has such life-changing influence. She established a nursery in the area which she has run for 44 years. She has been involved with Stourton Village Hall where the nursery operates and is currently their Secretary and Treasurer. She also runs local minibus services in the Parish of Kinver which is mainly used by elderly residents and is a member of the local elderly people committee. She serves on a total of 9 voluntary committees in various capacities which includes an Allotment Association she help set up in 2009.
Whether young or old, Margaret has always held the best interests of her community at heart and has worked tirelessly to make Kinver better for everyone.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Margaret has given a huge amount of time and energy to lead the creation of a BMX track in Kinver. It has not only become a valuable asset for young people in the local area, it has attracted top BMX riders who have inspired and mentored other track users. For this wonderful facility she has created in her community, I am delighted to recognise Margaret as the UK’s 469th Point of Light.”
Margaret said:
“I work in my community because I enjoy it and because I want Kinver to be the best place it can for everyone. I was really surprised and so touched when I found out I had won this award. Luckily for me I have a lot of good people around me that make all of this possible. Kinver is quite an isolated but close community. If you get young people involved early on they carry on working in their community and volunteering for the rest of their lives. The BMX track has brought everyone together – people of different ages, parents and children. It has become a central hub of the community and I couldn’t be more proud of the work we have and will continue to do.”
Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Margaret will be honoured for her fantastic fundraising work for the Kinver BMX track. Without her tireless dedication, the money would not have been raised and the track would not have been built. The amount of work that she put in to raise the funds is inspiring. I know that the previous cycle track was extremely popular and is used by riders of all ages. Together with the skate park, play area and gym equipment, and now, thanks to Margaret’s efforts there are a wide variety of wonderful new facilities to enjoy. It was an honour to present her with the Points of Light award to thank her for all her effort on behalf of all Kinver residents.”