Community Leader Shelagh Busby Honored on BBC’s The One Show

A beloved community figure, Shelagh Busby from Collyweston, has been recognized for her decades of service with a heartfelt tribute on BBC’s The One Show. During the program’s special segment titled “One Big Thank You,” which aired on March 15, 2024, Busby was surprised by a gathering of friends and family who celebrated her 50 years of dedication to village life.

The surprise event took place at the Rutland Garden Centre near Oakham, where Busby attended what she believed was a talk by her favorite celebrity, Joe Swift. Halfway through the presentation, the spotlight shifted from the gardening discussion to her, leaving her visibly stunned. Swift, who spoke about the significance of dahlias—flowers symbolizing grace, kindness, and commitment—then highlighted Busby’s contributions to the community.

“I was totally in the dark,” Busby said after the surprise. “I thought I’d got a free ticket to hear Joe talk about gardening. I was in shock—I still am—seeing a room full of people I knew. I was really flattered and humbled, I suppose, because I never do anything for recognition. I just do it because it needs doing.”

For over 50 years, Busby has been a cornerstone of community support. She has spent 15 years as a foster parent and later adopted two children. In 1975, she established a playgroup for children aged three to five, which she managed for two decades. Additionally, she founded a youth club for older children, which she directed for six years. Busby’s leadership extended to serving as the chairman of the parish council for approximately 20 years and as a long-standing member of the village hall committee.

During her time on the committee, she played a pivotal role in overseeing the construction of two extensions and the refurbishment of the hall. One of her cherished contributions has been organizing and creating costumes for the local pantomimes, a project she enjoys deeply.

Friends and family shared their admiration for Busby during the segment. One friend stated, “She’s made a 100 percent difference in the village, and if there are more people in Collyweston like Shelagh, the village would be perfect.” Another added, “She will do anything for anybody and she doesn’t ask for reward or to be thanked. She just does it because she’s just Shelagh.”

Reflecting on her work with children, one friend noted, “Shelagh is very good with children. She would lead them in the right path.” Another remarked, “I grew up with her and the kids she has fostered. She is just an amazing person. She would never let the kids down.”

In her closing remarks, Busby acknowledged the collective effort that has gone into her community work. “Thank you to everybody. Whatever I had done in the past was not just me; there were other people involved,” she said.

The heartfelt tribute to Busby can be viewed in the “One Big Thank You” segment on BBC iPlayer, showcasing the profound impact she has made over the years in her community.