Following nominations from fellow villagers, Marilyn Sharp was announced as a BEM recipient in the last New Year’s Honours list. She was on holiday in May when the awards were given out, although she was able to attend a Buckingham Palace garden party earlier in the month.
So last week Marilyn travelled to County Hall in Exeter to receive her BEM from the Lord Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon, the Queen’s personal representative in the county.
Marilyn said the honour ’feels more real’ now that she actually has it.
She said: ’I feel there are lots of other people who deserve it. It’s just lucky for me that I know people willing to go through what I believe is quite a long and difficult process to nominate me.
’I spoke to the lady who investigated me on behalf of the honours people, I said I don’t know what I’ve done, but she said ’you never stop’.
’I got the medal for services to Cornwood. I’ve been a churchwarden for 17 years, a member of the church council for 26 years, and the chair of the church fundraising committee for at least 12 years. We’ve raised nearly £100,000 for the church over the years, and we’ve got a wonderful committee. I certainly couldn’t do it all on my own.
’I also cook dinners for a few old people in the village and look after them. I try to do my best.’
Six Devon residents received medals at the ceremony while three community groups, Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau, Great Torrington Cavaliers, and Shaldon and Ringmore Flood Defence Volunteers were given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.