After a long wait due to covid restrictions, two local recipients of the British Empire Medal finally got to have their ‘day out’. British Ambassador to Spain Hugh Elliot, accompanied by the British Consul in Alicante, Sarah Jane Morris, visited the Costa Blanca on Thursday to attend two separate presentation ceremonies.
The first, in the afternoon, was to Stevie Spit, who was recognised for his many years of charitable work for a number of organisations both in Spain and overseas. Stevie’s event was held at The Emerald Isle in La Florida and was attended by a whole host of friends and relatives, including his mother Pearl and nephew Jordan who flew in especially for the occasion. Stevie thanked his mum during his speech, saying that her many years of voluntary work had been an inspiration to him. For his part, the Ambassador praised Stevie’s many charitable acts and said that he was especially impressed by his work in Afghanistan. Many of the charities helped over the years by Stevie were present at the event and once Stevie was presented with his medal, there was thunderous applause.
Later, the Ambassador and Consul attended another event, this time to present the medal to Maureen Payne. The ceremony, held at Restaurante Villasalada in Torrevieja, was also attended by the Mayor of Torrevieja Eduardo Dolón, and the Councillor for International Relations, Gitte Lund.
Maureen also received the British Empire Medal in recognition of her charitable work, serving more than a decade as president of Age Concern. Maureen came to Spain in 2003 and has been dedicated to all aspects of the Age Concern organization ever since and, after a stint as Vice President, she served as President in 2009, a position she continues to hold.
Age Concern has a team of over 150 volunteers who are dedicated to improving the lives of seniors by making home visits or providing friendship services and organizing free Spanish lessons for the local community.
The British Empire medal is awarded in recognition of meritorious military or civil service and its recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters “BEM”.