The West Midlands Region, North District of St John’s Ambulance held its annual award presentation on Sunday 13th October, and I was privileged to both attend and present two awards.
Held at St Mary’s Church in Stafford, the presentation honoured those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the work of St John. The ceremony began with opening prayers and a welcome from the Reverend JJ Davies, MBE, KStJ County President. This was followed by the Investiture, by command of Her Majesty the Queen, Sovereign Head of the Order of St John, which was read by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian Dudson CBE, KStJ.
The first presentation for the 500 hours Certificates, was presented by M Houghton-Brown, CEO Order of St John. I then had the honour of awarding the 1,000 hours Certificates, before Ian Dudson presented the Long Service Medal and Bars.
St John District Managers were honoured by G McKeown, District Manager, who presented them with their awards, before M Houghton-Brown bestowed the 25 years Certificate. I presented the 50 years Certificate before Councillor Jackie Barnes, Lord Mayor of Stoke, awarded the final honour of the afternoon, the 125 years Certificate.
The award ceremony was followed by an address, Knight Templars, from D W Philips, Provincial Prior of Staffordshire, and the event was closed by G H Steel OStJ, Chairman of the County Priory Group.
It was a privilege to be amongst such inspirational people who are really making a difference in our region, and I would like to thank all the recipients for their continued hard work and dedication to such a worthwhile organisation.