Ten care workers have each received a prestigious award from the British branch of the world’s oldest order of chivalry, the Sovereign Order of Malta.
The Order of Malta’s St John’s Day ceremony, which was held at the Brompton Oratory in London on 24th June, was attended by more than 400 people, including Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, the Venerable Order of St. John and World Ambassadors.
Colin Titcombe, Graham Hipwell, Jean Houghton and Rachael Harris, who all work for The Orders of St John Care Trust’s (OSJCT) care homes, received Silver Medals of Merit for their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the care of elderly people.
Colin Titcombe, Wiltshire Operations Manager, was awarded a Silver Medal of Merit in recognition of his devotion to the Trust’s residents, staff and homes over the past 23 years.
County Surveyor Graham Hipwell, who is based in the Oxfordshire County office, was recognised for his outstanding commitment to the development and services of the Trust and care of its residents. He has worked for OSJCT for nearly three years.
Home Manager Jean Houghton was rewarded for her outstanding contribution to the Trust and its residents during the six years she has worked for OSJCT at St Wilfrid’s Priory care home in Arundel, West Sussex.
Rachael Harris, Home Manager at The Elms care home in Gloucestershire, also received a Silver Medal for improving the rating of care homes across the county during the five years she has worked for the Trust.
The remaining six nominees were awarded Bronze Medals of Merit to recognise their outstanding enthusiasm and dedication towards OSJCT, its residents and care homes.
Nigel Reed, OSJCT’s Chief Executive said: “The Order of Malta awards ceremony is a really significant event. Very few of these awards are given out each year so it’s a special opportunity for outstanding staff to be congratulated and rewarded for their efforts over and above their normal job parameters.
“The Trust is extremely proud of the high standards of care it provides and we recognise that it is important to acknowledge and reward the special efforts made by our staff. ”
The British Association of The Order of Malta was founded in 1875. A worldwide organisation dating from the eleventh century, the Order of Malta has 12,500 members, of whom around 500 belong to the British Association. Membership is by invitation only. The Order’s mission is to help those in need and OSJCT provides care for the elderly as part of this mission.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of The Orders of St John Care Trust by Lava. For further information contact Jan or Steph at Lava on 01522 842 800 / jan@lavapr.co.uk or steph@lavapr.co.uk
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