Elaine’s MBE hits the right note

A local woman has been recognised for her tireless service to music and charity by being awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen.

Elaine Buckland has given more than three decades of service to the industry and, locally, she is the musical director for the Castle Belles choir which raised £2,500 through virtual performances during the pandemic.

After initially being informed during the summer, Elaine announced: “Well, finally, after many months of keeping an amazing secret, I am so proud, honoured and humbled to announce….. ELAINE BUCKLAND MBE!

“I am so thankful to everyone for their lovely messages and loyalty to everything I do. This is a joint achievement, and I thank everybody.”

Elaine is currently musical director to five choirs on both sides of the border who have raised countless tens of thousands for charity.

The music lecturer at Wolverhampton University is a former professional singer who worked with the likes of Mylene Klass, Craig David, Tommy Steel, Peter Kay, Barbara Dickson, and Tony Christie.

She was the Musical Director for the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton for eight years, where local adults and children benefited from her work on a number of educational projects.

Elaine was also the choir leader for both their junior and adult choirs for five years, working with many professional West End productions.

The Queen’s list insides 1,495 honours to be handed out to people across the UK.