British Empire Medal for Valerie Chadwick

Valerie Chadwick, a choirmaster and community champion in Rochdale, is set to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the Rochdale Festival Choir and to the community.

She has been the Musical Director of Rochdale Festival Choir for 18 years and was Musical Director of Rochdale Ladies Choir for 50 years. The Rochdale Ladies Choir disbanded last year.

As part of the Rochdale Festival Choir, Valerie has performed all over Europe raising money for various charities including Leonard Cheshire Care Homes, Parkinson’s and various churches and hospitals.

When she was 21, Valerie graduated from the Royal Northern School of Music in Manchester and the Royal Academy of Music in London.

In 1978, she graduated from Lancaster University with a degree in counselling and runs a free service to help support the elderly.

Valerie, 66, is also a voluntary chaplain at Royley House Care home in Royton.

Valerie will receive the honour after being included in this years Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.