Pam Sloan receives a British Empire Medal

On All Souls’ Day, 2 November 2025 — a day when inspirational people are remembered — Pam Sloan was recognised for her outstanding service to the local community with the award of a British Empire Medal (BEM).

Cornwall’s Lord Lieutenant, Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho OBE, said it was important to present the award within the local community where the service had been given. Although Pam no longer lives in Bodmin, she travelled with her family to the church and the community she served for this special occasion.

The Lord Lieutenant explained that monarchs have given thanks to people who have done good service for thousands of years. At one time, such honours were reserved only for courtiers, military personnel, statesmen, and men. In 1917, however, King George V changed this tradition. Recognising the enormous sacrifices made by civilians during wartime, he determined that they too should be honoured, and introduced The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho said:

“The first person to be awarded a BEM was 21-year-old Lizzy Robinson for her devotion to duty; and 108 years later, we are recognising somebody else who has done outstanding work.”

Speaking directly to Pam, he added:

“In this year’s honours list, in which you featured, there were just 1,200 awards given nationally, of which only 300 were British Empire Medals — so you are one in 300 out of about seven billion people! That makes you very special.”

He went on to note:

“There were only three awards given out in Cornwall. You don’t receive this honour unless people write about you and you are highly respected by your local community.”

Pam Sloan receives her medal

The Chair of Cornwall Council, Cllr. Rob Nolan, read out the citation:

“His Majesty’s Birthday Honours 2025, Order of the British Empire, has been awarded to Mrs Pamela Sloan for services to the community in Bodmin.

Pam has dedicated her life to supporting the less fortunate and elderly in her community through a wide range of voluntary services - from visiting people in hospital or at home, offering Communion to those unable to attend church, providing a telephone prayer service, to driving others to hospital appointments.

Her mission has always been to ensure no one feels alone or forgotten.

She trained in bereavement listening and regularly helps those coping with loss.

Independently, she created and donated activity boxes to social services for distribution to families in need during the summer and Christmas holidays.

A fundraising effort for the Leprosy Mission in Peru includes coffee mornings, selling handmade decorations, stamp collections, and running a church bookshop. She even visited Peru to better understand the cause she supports.

She also worked with local foodbanks sourcing donations from supermarkets and helping distribute food to low-income families.

Her contributions were readily recognised in parish magazines and on local radio, though she never seeks recognition.

Supported by fellow community members, she offered a warm, welcoming presence. Her humility, tireless dedication, and compassion have made a lasting impact on those around her.”

Pam said:

"Paul, Simon and Elaine have opened up lots and lots of opportunities for volunteering here in Bodmin. I would like to feel that all the volunteers in the Bodmin Team share my award, because it's a team and not just a single person."

Revd Paul Holley said:

"It's been lovely to have you back amongst us and for us to be able to share with you in this special award."

What a joy to celebrate Pam and all the ways she’s shared God’s love with people near and far!