06 Nov Meet Rev. Charles Nevin, MBE
You never know what you might receive in the post, and in May I was intrigued to receive an envelope marked “Urgent-Personal” and “Cabinet office.”
Even more surprising was the letter informing me that I was to be recommended to His Majesty for the award of Member of the British Empire (MBE). This award to be kept confidential until Saturday 15th June – that was the tricky bit.
The award was for services to Education reflected in some forty years in school and Academy Trust Governance within Greater Manchester but also Merseyside and the Midlands.
In August, the formal invitation came to the Investiture at Windsor Castle to be held on the 29th of October. It was an incredible day and a great honour to be with others in the magnificent surroundings of the Castle. Much of the time was spent moving from room to room until I reached the Throne room. The Princess Royal presented the award, and it was a delightful experience as the Princess made everyone feel special as we shared a brief conversation after receiving the medal.
It was a unique and humbling acknowledgement of my work in school governing but also twenty-five years in Police Chaplaincy. All these experiences have helped me grow and develop as a person and hopefully made me more compassionate an understanding of the needs and concerns of the people I meet. This has been particularly valuable in my time with Alcock’s over more than twenty-five years working with a really professional group of men and women.
Charles Nevin