Sheila Bersin worked for many years as a librarian in Halewood Library. In retirement she became a Pensioners' champion and in 2002 was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Halewood and Knowsley.

She has been a voluntary member of several bodies, including the Halewood University of the Third Age, Knowsley Council's Crime and Disorder Partnership, the Halewood-based 'Listening Ear Group' and the 'Partnership for Learning'.

Sheila follows in the footsteps of her late brother, Bill, who was awarded an MBE for services to the disabled 20 years ago.

She said: "I just want to help older people live life to the full, instead of sitting about moaning about being old."

New Year Honours 31 Dec 2002 Order of the British Empire (Member)
Sheila Marie Bersin MBE, awarded for services to the communities in Halewood and Knowsley, Merseyside.
Sheila is pictured with her husband John Bersin and her MBE award.

The lead singer of Queen, Freddie Mercury, used to sleep over in her Halewood family home when he was a member of her son Mike's band in the late 1960s. Full story by Mike Royden below;

Freddie Mercury & the Wade Deacon/Halewood Connection

Before Freddie Bulsara hit the big time, he spent some of his early career in Liverpool, where he had hooked up with local band Ibex, which later morphed into Wreckage. He also played at Wade Deacon Grammar School, and stayed in Halewood at the home of lead guitarist Mike Bersin.

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