BEM for Marguerite Talmage

Having been involved as a volunteer in a variety of organisations since she was 14 years old, it may came as no surprise to many that Marguerite was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King's Birthday Honours list in June 2024.

Most recently she is probably best known for leading the fundraising for GROW’s new premises, successfully masterminding a drive to raise a staggering £3 million. But over the years, marguerite has also part of the St Peter’s Floral Group, helping to inspire the parish to win multiple Floral Guernsey gold medals and led Guernsey's 'Britain in Bloom' entry for the western parish entry to win gold on four occasions. Marguerite also founded a local pet therapy charity Well-being Animals Guernsey (WAG) with which we are very familiar at Government House as the Lieutenant-Governor's dog Mustard, accompanied by Mrs Cripwell, is an avid fan of their wellbeing walks on a Sunday. You can see Marguerite with Mustard in one of the photographs above. 

The Third Sector in Guernsey is known for punching above its weight. and fulfills a particularly vital role in a small community so personalities like Marguerite are invaluable to keeping that sector alive and moving forward. 

His Excellency presented the award in front of a selection of Marguerite's family and friends and colleagues from WAG, GROW and the St Peter's Floral Group.