British Empire Medal for devoted volunteer Gloria

Gloria Crossley of Potton has been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List after her tireless work at St John the Baptish Church in Cockayne Hatley.

A worshipper at the church since she moved to the area with her husband Anthony 25 years ago, Gloria has since helped to transform the historic building.

Gloria – who is originally from Canada – was very surprised when she received the letter informing her about the 
honour though.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it at first – I thought they had made a mistake and sent it to the wrong person!

“I’ve no idea who nominated me but I’m very proud to have been recognised in this way.”

The church is thought to date back to around 1150 and has required regular maintenance work over the years.

Gloria – who lived in Cockayne Hatley before moving to Potton – added: “There has been an ongoing issue with damp in the church over the years, and that has required quite a lot of work to keep on top of.

“There have quite often been structural repairs which have been needed there as well.”

Gloria will attend a special ceremony in Bedfordshire and will also be receiving an invite to a garden party at Buckingham Palace next year.

She said: “It will be a great honour to attend both occasions, and especially the garden party as there will of course be the opportunity to meet the Queen.”

The BEM is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.

It was introduced in 1922 to replace the previous 
Medal of the Order of the 
British Empire.

People who are awarded the honour can carry the BEM title after their name and it is divided into civil and military medals , like with an OBE.

The BEM was awarded in the UK until 1992 when it was rested, but the honour was brought back last year in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.