YEOVIL NEWS: Marlie's year is topped with Honorary Freewoman of town honour

ENGLAND women’s rugby World Cup winner Marlie Packer was the toast of Yeovil tonight (Wednesday, October 22, 2014) during a civic reception.

Marlie, 25, was presented with a silver salver by Mayor, Cllr Mike Lock, as she became a Honorary Freewoman of Yeovil.

And Marlie, who helped England to win the World Cup in France this summer, said the honour “topped” a hugely successful year for the former Buckler’s Mead and Yeovil College student.

“This is a great honour to be made Freewoman of Yeovil,” she said. “After a successful year this award has topped it off.”

PHOTO – TOP: Marlie Packer, second left, with the Mayor, Cllr Mike Lock, and the Mayoress, Cllr Pauline Lock, and mace bearer Bruce Trigger.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Marlie Packer with her Honorary Freewoman of Yeovil silver salver.

Marlie, who started off her rugby playing as a five-year-old with the Yeovil-based Ivel Barbarians, now has a professional contract with the England RFU and plays her club rugby for Wasps.

Although she has been living away from her home town for the past couple of years, Marlie told guests at the reception that she “would be back.”

And she added: “You can take the girl out of Yeovil, but you can’t take Yeovil out of the girl.”

Looking on were family, friends and rugby playing colleagues, as well as members of Yeovil Town Council and other civic dignitaries.

Proudest person at the reception - other than Marlie herself - was her mum, Julie.

“I am so so proud,” said Julie, who added that she never believed in her wildest dreams that when Marlie started playing rugby that she would end up being a rugby World Cup winner.

The Mayor said the award was in recognition of her endeavour and achievements and presented on behalf of the people of Yeovil.

But the award does pose a problem for Marlie – where to put the silver salver.

“I think my mum will want to keep it at her house, so there might be a bit of a heated discussion,” she joked.

PHOTO – ABOVE: Marlie Packer at tonight’s civic reception with her mum Julie.

PHOTO – ABOVE: Marlie Packer speaks to the audience at tonight’s civic reception at Westland leisure complex in Yeovil.

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