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Congratulations to Pauline Dee BEM and Graham Furber BEM who were presented with thier hours from HM The King by Shropshire Lieutenancy in Wem Town Hall.

An amazing record of sincere public service was celebrated today.

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The BEM medal, formally called the British Empire Medal, is a British and Commonwealth award that recognizes meritorious civil or military service.

  • Established: 1922 (replacing the Medal of the Order of the British Empire)
  • Awarded by: The Crown (His Majesty the King)
  • Purpose: Recognizes service worthy of recognition
  • Levels: Two levels – civil and military

Who receives it?

  • People from all walks of life who have made a positive impact in their communities through their work or voluntary service.
  • It can be awarded for sustained commitment to a local cause, innovative work with real results, or a single act of courage.

Benefits of receiving a BEM:

  • Recipients can use the post-nominal letters “BEM” after their name.
  • In the UK, they have special privileges to use St Paul’s Cathedral for funerals, baptisms, and weddings.

Importance of the BEM:

  • It’s a prestigious award that recognizes the contributions of ordinary people who make a difference.
  • It highlights the value of voluntary service and community involvement.