Suffolk woman to be honoured

By Victoria Knowles

DEDICATION, that's what you need - to be honoured like Iris Slade.

The Felixstowe resident has dedicated her life to the community she loves and now her work is being recognised with a very special honour.

The Felixstowe resident has notched up 27 years St John Ambulance work and is to be invested as a member of the Order of St John at a ceremony held in the historic Grand Priory Church, Clerkenwell, London on Friday .

Mrs Slade will be admitted as a Serving Sister and presented with the Insignia by the Prior of the Order of St John, Lord Slynn of Hadley.

The 70-year-old, of Winston Close, Felixstowe, said she was overwhelmed by the honour.

"I have always been a community worker and it is just wonderful to be honoured like this. I have been volunteering for 27 years here in Felixstowe. I am retired now but I do still help out at cadets and I am their treasurer," she said.

Mrs Slade, whose husband, Barry received his Insignia in 1984, is looking forward to her day in London next week.

She first became involved when Mr Slade joined and she thought it would be a good idea.

"I just thought it would be nice to get involved as well. I must admit I have butterflies now but it should be a lovely day. The good thing is that you don't know who nominated you so that makes it even more special. I am nervous but I am going with my daughter and I am sure everything will be fine," she added.

Each award has been approved by Her Majesty The Queen, Sovereign Head of the Order.

Lord Slynn, Prior of The Order of St John, said: "These men and women are being honoured at the investiture ceremony in recognition of their dedicated and exceptional voluntary service in the Order's charitable foundations, St John Ambulance and the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem."

Around 100 people of all nationalities and walks of life will be invested in December, having adopted the St. John motto, 'In the Service of Mankind'.