Honorary Fellowship awarded to Longford native

The award, presented by Dame Mary Archer the Chancellor of the University, was in recognition of Margaret’s contribution to University life.

“I worked in The University of Buckingham for over 20 years. On my retirement I was shocked to find they were awarding me the lifelong honorary fellowship for my contribution to the university during my time there,” Margaret told the Leader.

The Longford native worked as Head of Facilities in the education institute: “I worked with many wonderful people from a range of nationalities during my two decades with the university. It has provided an educational opportunity to students from over 80 different nationalities in my time there.”

The University of Buckingham is a non-profit private university in Buckingham, England and the oldest of the country's five private universities. It was founded as the University College at Buckingham in 1973, admitting its first students in 1976. It was granted university status by royal charter in 1983.

“I moved to Watford originally,” she recalled, “I moved to Milton Keynes and had a break to raise my family. After I returned to the workforce I held a couple of other posts before ending up at Buckingham University.”

Margaret has maintained strong links with her home place: “I go back all the time. I am originally from Fearla, Newtownforbes. In fact I am going back next week.”

Though retired Margaret is keeping busy: “I have two sons, and since I retired I have taken up a role as director in one of my sons' companies.”