March 27th, 2024

Three rousing cheers if you please for our President Ann Wickham whose work for charity and London’s community was recognised by the award of The British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours.

The investiture of The British Empire Medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Mr Michael More-Molyneux, took place on Wednesday March 20th, 2024 at Loseley House, near Guildford. I felt so very honoured to be receiving this medal.

Loseley House is a 16th century manor house built in 1568 by the ancestors of the More-Molyneux family and still lived in by the descendants of the original family.

It was a beautiful sunny spring day and I was accompanied by my three daughters and a granddaughter. On arrival we were shown into the Great Hall, a magnificent 16th century panelled reception room dominated by a white marble fireplace designed by Holbein and Royal and family portraits looking down on us.

There were eight recipients of the medals and we were all supported by family and friends. The acoustics were excellent and we were able to hear every word of the recipients’ citations and the presentation given by the Lord Lieutenant.

Afterwards a welcome cup of coffee/tea and (Loseley) biscuits; then photographs including all our families and friends in the Great Hall and outside with Loseley House as a backdrop.

Then a delicious celebratory lunch in Guildford – proudly wearing my British Empire Medal.

A very special day and a great honour for Barts Guild.

ANN WICKHAM BEM

Ann is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux (Photograph: Andy Newbold, Newbold PR & Media) and you can read the citation here.