Marguerite Talmage has received her British Empire Medal in a special ceremony held in her honour at Guernsey’s Government House.
After volunteering for various community projects and organisations over the past 50 years, she was awarded the BEM in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.
She elected to receive her medal locally and did so last night.
Guernsey’s Lieutenant-Governor presented Mrs Talmage with her BEM, watched by members of her family, along with friends and colleagues.
“Mrs Talmage’s vision and resourcefulness have enriched the lives of countless islanders,” said His Excellency, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell.
“I was delighted to present her with the British Empire Medal on behalf of His Majesty The King, in recognition of her tireless work both in her parish and more broadly across Guernsey’s third sector.”
Mrs Talmage’s community commitments span many different organisations and projects.
As a former Public Relations professional she has used her skills to help the island win recognition and awards in different capacities.
She was part of St Peter’s Floral Group from 2007, which went on to win multiple Floral Guernsey gold medals. As Chair, she led Guernsey’s Britain in Bloom entry with the western parish winning gold four times and finishing runners-up in the elite Champion of Champions category.
Mrs Talmage also founded a local therapy dog charity, Wellbeing Animals Guernsey, in 2018.
The same year she joined the board of GROW, and from 2021 she led a successful fundraising campaign to build new premises for the charity, which opened in October 2023.
