Cranleigh Cllr Elizabeth Townsend wearing her hard-earned halo after being awarded A BEM in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours.  

Known locally as “Liz the Biz” she was honoured for her services to the community of Cranleigh. Serving the community is an understatement for the woman who founded the Cranleigh Society. She went on to become a parish councillor and then its chairman, a Waverley Borough Councillor and more recently a Surrey County Councillor. Villagers say she works tirelessly for Cranleigh, Waverley and the county, stopping only occasionally for the odd breath!

At the young age of just 57, she has achieved more than many of her predecessors, forging through with numerous initiatives as she directed many community responsibilities – including  new playground and sporting facilities. She was seen recently on the touchline at the Final of the Surrey Intermediate Football Cup Final to cheer on Cranleigh FC’s first team in front of a record crowd of almost 800 spectators, where young sportsmen did their village proud.

She has earned the title of Liz the Biz because her hand has taken the tiller of some inspiring initiatives, none more so than during the Covid Pandemic. She created the Cranleigh Street Champions when she marshalled 159 volunteers who offered their unstinting time and support to those shielding. Many of whom had no close family living nearby.

She says she is

“shocked and extremely honoured to receive the prestiguous award  for Cranleigh during such as special year.”