Honours investiture for three islanders

Sunday 01 November 2020

Three local residents named in the New Year's Honours list have been presented with their medals, in a ceremony at Government House attended by family and friends.

Hi Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor presented an MBE and two British Empire medals before an audience of 60 guests, which included the Deputy Bailiff, the Dean, the Chief Minister, and some UK-based relatives of the recipients, who joined the ceremony online.

"I'm delighted that we were able to present these awards to three exceptional islanders in the presence of their friends and families," said Sir Ian Corder. "Like so many things this year, today's ceremony has been a new departure.

"MBE investitures usually take place at Buckingham Palace, but UK pandemic restrictions have halted that for the time being; and while Government House normally hosts British Empire Medal investitures, it's very unusual for two to be presented in the same ceremony."

Pictured: The ceremony would usually have taken place at Buckingham Palace.

The MBE was awarded to David Swiffen for his service to wellbeing and 'inter-faith dialogue' in Guernsey. He was a major supporter of the Monnaie Chapel, which is dedicated to Christian Healing, before going on to purchase Les Cotils in 1994. The centre aims to provide for the wellbeing of people of all faiths and backgrounds. It provides subsidised or free meetings rooms for charities and not-for-profit organisations, as well as working with the Probation Service.

Bryan Brehaut was one of the two BEM recipients, and was recognised for his services to young people in Guernsey through the Boy's Brigade. He has been involved in the organisation for more than 60 years, joining the 2nd Company, Guernsey Battalion in the early '50s and going on to become a youth leader. He recently retired from his role as Senior Officer but continues as Battalion Secretary.

The second British Empire Medal was awarded to Elizabeth Hutchinson for her services to libraries. In 2003, she became Liaison Officer with the Guernsey School's Library Service, and became Head of the Service in 2014. She is a chartered librarian, and a member of several working organisations, including the Great School Libraries Campaign and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals' School Library Group.

Pictured top: The ceremony took place at Government House.