Twelve members of the St John Fellowship have been presented with long service awards in recognition of their commitment and dedication to the organisation.
Collectively the twelve recipients have given more than three hundred years of service to St John Ambulance Guernsey.
The presentation was made by the Bailiff of Guernsey, Sir Richard Collas in the Bailiff’s Chambers at the Royal Court House in St Peter Port. Sir Richard thanked the volunteers and paid tribute to the work of the charity in the island. In his speech he talked about the reassurance St John gives islanders at public and sporting events. “I’d also like to thank the whole of the St John Ambulance Commandery for all you do for the island community, which is hugely appreciated.” 
Anne Harvey received the St John Laurel Leaf, which celebrates fifty-two years of service. Anne joined St John as a teenager and after progressing through the organisation became President “It is a real honour to get this award. I joined as a Cadet and then went on to the adult sections. I really enjoyed taking part in competitions – that was a highlight of my time with St John. When you come across something it is nice to have the confidence to do first aid and help someone,” she said.
Joan Tostevin, Jill Moriarty and Ken Brehaut were all presented with 4th bars, marking thirty-two years with the organisation. Joan originally got involved with St John after attending a first aid course. She enjoyed it so much she then went on a home nursing course and once qualified she was asked to join as a volunteer. After 25 years in the Nursing Division Joan was promoted to Divisional Officer and then Superintendent of the Rohais Division, where she was responsible for almost 100 cadets. “It is a great honour to receive this long service award and it was a lovely ceremony. I feel it has been a privilege to have been involved with St John”.
Among the other recipients was Vanwy Wallbridge who volunteered as a escort for patients requiring treatment off-island. Vanwy was also on board the Flying Christine in 1980 when she was called on a maternity case for a heavily pregnant lady who had been on a merchant ship in the English Channel.
Full list of Long Service Awards
Laurel Leaf – Anne Harvey
4th Bar – Jill Moriarty, Joan Tostevin
3rd & 4th Bar – Ken Brehaut
3rd Bar – Vanwy Wallbridge, Trish de Carteret, Mark Hasson, Dr Hunter Adam
2nd Bar – Margaret Collenette, Mark Mapp, Margaret Creber
Long Service Medal – Anthony Robert
The Fellowship was originally formed for former members of St John Ambulance, but today the Fellowship is open to any serving or former members, over the age of 18, who wish to support the organisation through practical assistance and by fundraising. Fellowship members promote the principles of the Order as expressed in its mottoes “For the Faith and In the Service of Humanity”.
Nikki Harrison, Chief Operating Officer said: “Our volunteers are the heart and soul of St John, without them we wouldn’t have an organisation. Our Fellowship members support those whole organisation from helping with subscriptions, to fundraising and making cups of coffee at event. We really value what they do for St John.”
Andrew Henton, Knight Commander of St John Guernsey added: “It is really humbling for St John to recognize all these years of voluntary service and commitment. The organisation is hugely fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers and we need to celebrate that. When volunteers are out they are often away from their families, so it is also important for us to recognize that service commitment of the volunteers in front of their families today.”