Issue 468 – MBE for Bratton woman

A BRATTON woman is looking forward to receiving an MBE, in recognition for her work in the community.

Marie Nunn was listed in the Queen’s Birthday Honours this year, for her services to the community in Wiltshire. She is now looking forward to attending a special ceremony at Windsor Castle in October to receive her award.
The MBE recognises Marie’s work in the Girl Guiding Association, the Royal British Legion Women’s Section, and her fostering of a number of children.
Marie says she was totally surprised when she heard she will be receiving the award, after being nominated by the Guides. “I was honoured and humbled to think that people thought I deserved something like that,” she said. “I found out six weeks before the Queen’s birthday but I couldn’t say anything – that was quite hard!”
It all started around 50 years ago when Marie got involved in Girl Guiding, and she has been involved with a number of groups across the county since then. “Somebody wanted me to help for a few weeks, and it all went from there!” reflected Marie. “I’ve gone where I’ve been needed.” Since then, she has run a number of Brownie, Guide, and Ranger groups across Wiltshire, and has been the county chair for the Trefoil Guild.
She has also fostered around 12 teenagers, and has been heavily involved with the Royal British Legion women’s section.
Marie continues to keep busy with her volunteering. She is currently the county treasurer for the Girl Guides in Wiltshire, and is county chair for the Royal British Legion women’s section. She is also chair of the Jubilee Hall management committee in Bratton.
Although Marie has been involved in a number of exciting expeditions, events and occasions over the years, she feels it is the everyday activities that are most important. “It’s the everyday getting to know the youngsters which is the important thing; you see them grow up and you see them mature.” For Marie, seeing people she has worked with in the past brings home what her efforts have done. “You realise the seeds you sow mature into something. It makes you realise, if you hadn’t done that, they might not have been where they are now.”
An MBE stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire and it can be awarded for two reasons. One is the achievement or service in and to the community of a responsible kind which is outstanding in its field. Alternatively it can be for providing a very local ‘hands-on’ service which stands out as example to others.
The majority of community awards made in the Queen’s Birthday Honours have gone to ordinary people who have made a real difference to life in their communities. 56% of the MBEs awarded this year were put forward by members of the general public.