Joy still in disbelief after being presented with British Empire Medal

A RETIRED stalwart Beaver leader was last night overwhelmed to be presented officially with the British Empire Medal.

Joy Bourgaize received the award at a ceremony at Government House, but still could not get her head around being honoured by the Queen.

The Lt-Governor Air Marshal Peter Walker handed the BEM to a tearful Mrs Bourgaize in front of family, friends and distinguished guests, just six days after she celebrated her 73rd birthday.

Mrs Bourgaize started volunteering at her son's Beaver colony 26 years ago, but it evolved into more than two decades of dedication to the cause.

'I am a bit overwhelmed still,' she said. 'The Queen is such a gracious lady and to think she knows all about what I do. It is a bit overpowering.'