Littlehampton’s Margaret ‘overjoyed’ to receive MBE from the Queen

But shaking hands and being praised by her majesty is something which dedicated Littlehampton Girlguiding leader Margaret Baker said was “unforgettable”, as the 87-year-old received her MBE.

After spending almost a lifetime helping youngsters in and around Littlehampton, grandmother-of-three Margaret, of St Catherine’s Road, said she was left overwhelmed by the whole experience at Buckingham Palace, last Wednesday (March 14).

Widow Margaret, who travelled up to London with her son Stuart, his wife Alison, and fellow Littlehampton Girlguiding leader, Edna Wales, said: “I felt very nervous and very emotional because I just feel that there are a lot of people that deserve this award more than me.

“It was such an overwhelming experience. I was so proud but at the same time, so very humbled.”

Margaret first joined the movement as a Brownie in Barnham, at the tender age of seven,

In 1952, she played an instrumental role in setting up the Brownies unit at St James’ Church, in East Ham Road, Littlehampton – so its members will also be celebrating its 60th anniversary, alongside the nation’s monarch, later this year.

She also played a vital role in raising more than £10,000, single-handedly, for the recently-built Littlehampton Girlguiding Centre, in Duke Street.

Margaret was told about her nomination for the prestigious award, at the end of last year.

She said that, since the her MBE was announced in the New Year Honours list, she had received almost 100 letters from friends, family, local MPs and even the Countess of Wessex, who is the president of Girlguiding UK.

Margaret added that, despite her ill-health, she was determined to walk up the aisle at the palace to receive her award, unaided.

“The thing is, at 87, it’s never going to happen again. So I wanted to cherish every moment. I didn’t want to use my stick.”

Margaret said her most treasured moments with the Guides was during the Queen’s silver jubilee celebrations, in 1977.

“I think what stuck out in my mind was travelling up to Withdean Stadium (Brighton). It was a sea of Guides. Every train there was just a mass of blue. It was a brilliant moment that I know I will never forget.”

Over the years, Margaret has also been the county chairman for the Trefoil Guild, an organisation of, nationally, more than 20,000 former Guides and Scouts, as well as serving as the group’s county president for five years.

She is still in contact with some of her past Guides, adding that the friendships she has built are lifelong.