BEM honour came as 'a complete surprise' to Caithness woman Johanna Geddes
A Caithness woman was "absolutely shocked" when she learned she was to be awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen's New Year's Honours List which recognises the achievements and service of people across the UK.
The award is being given to Johanna Geddes for her work with the Thurso Boys' Brigade and the community in the town over many years.
She received the news in a letter from the UK government's Cabinet Office last month. "I could not believe it and had to go and sit down. It was a complete surprise. I was absolutely shocked," said the 69-year-old who added: "I love working with the BB. It is an honour working with them and the community in Thurso. Both are important to me."
Johanna's long involvement with the BB stretches back over 40 years and started when she help fund raise for the organisation's parents committee. She is still a member four decades later.
And when the then Boys' Brigade captain, David Fraser, was looking for someone to help out for one night, she volunteered. "The rest is history, as they say," she said.
Initially, Johanna assisted with the juniors but over the years got involved with all the other sections, including the anchor, company and senior groups whose ages range from five up to 18 and 19. She became an acting captain for a number of years before becoming captain – a role she has held for more than two decades.
The citation accompanying the award says: "She has taken the brigade from a poorly attended and underfunded gathering to a well engaged and popular organisation. As captain she introduced an exciting programme to truly provide her BB members with the knowledge and challenges that children living in such a remote area may never have. Abseiling, horse riding, sailing, trips to museums and art galleries in Glasgow and London, all largely paid for by fundraising, brought the world alive to these children. She brought on side local army veterans and ex-marines to tell the history of conflict and to council."
During her long involvement with the organisation she also helped save the BB hall in Couper Square. "It was in a bad way and we fundraised really hard to save it and have a lovely hall now, " she said. In addition, along with her daughter, Katrina, she opened a museum dedicated to the founder of the Boys' Brigade, Sir William Smith, who was born in Thurso.
Despite the issues and restrictions with Covid-19, the organisation, which has more than 30 members, continues to meet virtually and hold activities online.
"They are a brilliant bunch of boys," Johanna said. "I am so proud of them and the officers are amazing. It is a lot of work but I thoroughly enjoy it."
Johanna also plays a role in community and charity work. She was a Sunday school teacher at St Peter's and St Andrew's and a leader in the Salvation Army. But she is also involved with the Royal British Legion, Thurso Pipe Band and the town's Rotary Club as well as the poppy appeal. Two of her father's uncles were killed in World War I.
Johanna was manager at the Highland Hospice shop in Thurso until made redundant 12 years ago and before that was the daycare manager for Alzheimer Scotland's Couthie Corner at Bayview House.
The citation says she works "helpfully and willingly with a range of local charities" and points out that shortly after the first Covid lockdown she raised £1200 for the purchase of craft packs to distribute to children in the town who were removed from their friends, schools and extracurricular clubs and societies.
It adds: "As manager of the Highland Hospice charity shop, she has secured people to volunteer to help there and has personally raised many thousands of pounds to support this most vital form of end-of-life care. This remote community continues to be greatly enriched by her dedication."
Asked if she has any plans to retire, she said: "No. I will continue to do these things. It keeps me going. You stop when it becomes a chore but it never feels that way.
"It is a privilege to work with these organisations. They are just like family. We are so lucky living here – people are so generous and so nice."
Johanna lives with her husband Graham in Thurso. The couple have two children, Katrina and Graham, and four grandchildren, three boys and a girl.
Johanna does not know when she will receive the BEM but it will be presented to her by the Lord-Lieutenant, Lord Thurso, at a local ceremony.