It’s time to bust the myth – it’s not magic!
One of the biggest myths surrounding the UK’s Queen’s honours system is that the Cabinet Office magically know every single person who deserves to be on "The List." Maybe even now people are sitting around a table discussing who shall be given what level of honour, and when, although nobody has thought to put any names forward.
Do you really believe Lollipop lady Effie Walker was awarded an BEM in 2017 because the Honours and Appointments Secretariat, or a member of the Honours Committee already knew she served Colgrain Primary School for 43 years?
Stop and think about it. How could that even be possible?
There are thousands of Effie Walkers out there - worthy individuals who need someone like you to put their name forward. In fact, I’d stab a guess you already know someone who should be going up to London to collect their MBE, OBE, CBE or possibly knighthood/damehood.
A visit to Buckingham Palace to pick up a gong is often declared the best and most surreal day of someone’s life, and it’s hardly surprising. It must feel wonderful to stand the other side of the gates for a change!
But the good news is, that magical feeling isn't as far from reality as you may think, and as far as I’m aware there is no sorcery involved at all. In fact, giving someone a fighting chance is a pretty straightforward process. All you need to do is download the online form from the Government website; decide on a nominator (maybe you); select the most appropriate supporters and get cracking!
If you need any help or advice along the way, just let me know…