For immediate release

PR 241

30 August 2006

Anne Pashley, a former Great Yarmouth schoolgirl, who won a silver medal in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics is to receive a Civic Certificate of Achievement from the Borough Council on September 8.

The honour will celebrate 50 years since Anne, who moved to Great Yarmouth in 1949 aged 14, was part of the British Women’s 4 x 100 metre relay team. Receiving the certificate from Mayor Sue Robinson will mirror an event in 1956 when Anne took part in a civic reception at the Town Hall hosted by the then mayor Laura Gilham.

Anne, who now lives in France, was a pupil at the town’s High School for Girls where she excelled at sports and art. As a member of Great Yarmouth Athletics Club her sprint skills were soon recognised.

In the early 1950s she was part of the British team that smashed the world 4 x 200 yards record. In the Olympics she ran the first leg of the 100 yard relay and gave the British team a good lead. But they lost by 2/10ths of a second to Australia.

Her other great talent music, led to a career in opera performing at venues such as Covent Garden and Glyndebourne. Her late husband Jack Irons, whom she married in 1960, was also an opera singer.

“It is a great honour to welcome Anne back to the town,” said Sue Robinson. “She was an inspiration in her time, and at the ceremony it is hoped that she will meet some of the Borough’s young athletes who will see that hard work and determination can bring rich rewards.”

Anne’s civic award was recommended by Richard Middleton of Caister, who has been a fan since his schooldays.

“I collect photocards of Norfolk sports people,” he explained. “When I ran out of footballers I extended my collection which now numbers 1,400.

“I had seen Anne when I was at school, and she made quite an impact on the town so I though it would be good to add her to the collection. It took about five years to track her down to France, but she kindly agreed to sign the photocard.

“Then I suggested that as it was near the 50 anniversary of her Olympic medal, the town should honour this. I talked to the Great Yarmouth Sports Council who liaised with the Borough Council to put the whole thing together.”

Mr Middleton will be a guest at the ceremony, and Anne Pashley has agreed to join the procession on the next day as part of the Maritime Festival celebrations.

For further information call Community Services Section Head Marie Hartley on 01493 846354.

Press and Media invitation
Anne Pashley’s ceremony will be at the Town Hall on Friday 8 September at 3pm. If you would like to attend and meet Anne, please will you call Marie Hartley, Liz Dann (846513) or Karla Symonds (846512).

Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513