The Civil BEM

The civil Division of the Centre Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood at St James Palace, London SW1 announced on the 31st Dec. 2015.

"The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the British Empire Medal (Civil Division) to Mrs Brenda Margaret Slade" of Verwood "for services to Westminster Abbey and the Creation and Preservation of Ceremonial Garments."

Brenda is well known in Verwood, and became a bespoke tailor in the 1950's starting work in 1983 with the Guild of Faith as a volunteer at Westminster Abbey, where she meets weekly with 7 other people. As well as repairing vestments that are centuries old (such as the copes made for Charles II's coronation in 1661 and King George VI's vestments), the team also  make new ones including copes, chasubles and frontals. The picture on the right shows a cope that was made by Brenda. 

Most weeks Brenda leaves on the early morning coach from Ringwood and returns early evening. Though she is a volunteer her travelling expenses are paid by the Abbey.

She has also made the Verwood Carnival Queens and princesses dresses, Repaired the Verwood Mayoral Chain mount, made 40 choir robes for St. Michaels choir and a millenium panel at Wimborne St Giles etc. etc.

Brenda at work on one of the Garments.