15th January, 2025 - Kilbride Parish Church Ladies’ Group - Talk by Avril Nicholl, M.B.E.

It was a cold evening outside but the Parish Room was warm and cosy as the ladies of the parish gathered for their first event of the new year. The evening began with everyone saying the group’s opening prayer together.

Avril Nicholl has been involved with the Riding for the Disabled Association (R.H.A.) for more than 40 years and in recognition of her voluntary work with the group for such a prolonged period she was awarded the M.B.E. in the Queen’s New Year Honours List announced in late December 2016. Avril came along to the meeting tonight to describe her wonderful trip to Buckingham Palace to receive this prestigious and deserved award. From the moment she arrived at her hotel in London she said she was treated like royalty. There was champagne in her room on arrival and she said the staff in the hotel were so courteous and helpful from the moment she stepped through the door. Avril then described her arrival at Buckingham Palace where everyone receiving an award was taken through the plush corridors to a beautiful state-room close to the main palace ballroom where the presentation ceremony was to take place. The staff there went through the whole process of where to be and what to do at the appropriate time. She was rubbing shoulders with many ordinary people from all walks of life reflecting all areas of British society. Numerous well-known celebrities were amongst the gathering including the Olympic cyclist Laura Kenny and England ladies’ footballer, Alex Scott, to name only two. Avril described her day in detail before playing a personalised video of the whole day’s proceedings and it was clear that she was completely at ease in her surroundings and thoroughly enjoying this wonderful occasion. Her conversation with the Princess Royal as she received her award was like that of two people who had known each other for many years. Both Avril and the Princess Royal were so relaxed and at ease as Avril chatted about her experience as a volunteer with the R.H.A.

All too soon the presentation was over but both Avril and her husband Des were able to see a little more of the palace as they moved through the palace to have a set of official photographs taken. A wonderful record of a proud and magnificent day!

Following this presentation Joan Lutton presented Avril with a gift as a token of the group’s appreciation.

An exchange of pot-luck Christmas gifts also took place this evening while everyone enjoyed a cup of tea.