Over 850 community and charity representatives from across the United Kingdom have been invited to enjoy the Coronation Service from Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6 May 2023.
Invitations to the Coronation Service in Westminster Abbey have been extended to over 450 British Empire Medal recipients in recognition of the contributions made by remarkable volunteers, charity representatives and community champions up and down the country.
In addition, 400 young people representing charitable organisations, nominated by The King and The Queen Consort and the UK Government, will have the opportunity to watch the Coronation Service and Procession from St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, by kind permission of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster. Young poet, Bengali girl from Birmingham Iona Mandal, is one of the invitees at St Margaret’s Church, who received her invitation through National Literacy Trust, after being nominated for Coronation Champion Award by the Trust.
The British Empire Medal recognises the achievement or contribution of service to the community in a local area. This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of a local charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work that has delivered real impact in the community. Many of the BEM recipients attending the Coronation Service were instrumental in providing services and support to their local communities during the Covid-19 lockdowns.Some of the BEM recipients of South Asian-origin to attend the coronation include:
Manju Malhi of London: A professional chef who acted as the Resident Chef for charity Open Age since 2016. Open Age champions an active life for older people in London, helping those aged 50 or older to sustain their physical and mental fitness, maintain an active lifestyle and develop new interests. Manju turned Open Age’s kitchen into a cookery school and restaurant for members and staff, and offered remote cookery classes during Covid-19. Manju also leads Open Age’s community Big Local Family Cooking Club. The sessions are fun, interactive and an opportunity for local residents from all backgrounds to come together, make a meal and eat together as community family.
Sahil Usman from Blackburn: Whilst battling leukaemia at the age of 15, Sahil dedicated time during lockdown to support vulnerable people in the community of Blackburn, Lancashire, during the Covid-19 lockdown. Sahil created 300 hampers containing essential goods for delivery to elderly people across Blackburn. In 2018, when first diagnosed with cancer, Sahil decided to spend his own money on buying Christmas gifts, gloves and hats for other patients on his ward; a tradition which he continued for two years. Sahil also coordinated a “Raising Awareness for Cancer” project, designing presentations for delivery in schools to raise awareness of the impact of cancer on young people
