The British Empire Medal is awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community, and I was delighted to attend the ceremony where Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Mr Ian Dudson, having been unable to present any in 2020 because of Covid, presented of 10 medals, over two afternoons in October. Social distancing measures were in place in The Council Chamber, but some family members of the recipients could attend, along with Civic Guests including the Mayor or Chairman of the Borough Council/District Council of each recipients.