THREE generations of a family travelled to Buckingham Palace to see a Warrington woman receive the OBE for services to education and skills.
Merron Mitchell received her award from Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, at a special ceremony.
Merron, of Betsyfield Drive, Croft, Warrington began her career as a teacher at Croft Primary School in 1970 and, following the birth of her two children Ben and Annick, later began teaching at Risley Prison.
She then worked as head of education at HMP Liverpool, and later took her current role as vice principal, Offender Learning at The Manchester College. She manages the learning and skills provision in 42 secure establishments across the UK.
She said: “It was a lovely ceremony and we all enjoyed visiting the palace.”
Merron said she was pleased to get recognition for the service of offenders’ education.
“The service is all about changing people’s attitudes, and helping people realise they have life choices and can make better decisions,” she said.
“A lot of people now leave prison with a qualification, and then can get a job. They can then go back to family life and don’t cost the taxpayer anything.”
Both her children also attended Croft School as did Ben’s wife, Sue (nee Marshall), and now her two granddaughters, Holly and Lucy, attend the school in years six and three.
Also at the palace with her were husband, Andrew, and grandson, Tom.
Her husband and two children went into the palace with her for the ceremony. They met the others outside later before travelling to St Pancras Station for a celebration in the Champagne Bar.
Pictured at the palace are (left to right) Annick, Tom, Sue, Holly, Lucy, Merron, Andrew and Ben.
