First aid trainer recevies prestigious honour

Steve Pye, a first aid trainer from Newbury was invested as a member of the Order of St John at a special ceremony held in the historic Grand Priory Church in Clerkenwell.

Exceptional service

The Order of St John is a Royal Order of Chivalry and each investiture is approved by Her Majesty the Queen, its Sovereign Head. The honour of becoming a member of the Order is granted to those who have shown exceptional service to its key foundations.

Mr Pye has been a member of St John Ambulance since 1978 and was admitted to the Order as a Serving Brother. He was presented with the Order's insignia by the Prior of the Priory of England and the Islands, Sir Brian Jenkins.

Steve is currently a commercial trainer for St John Ambulance, teaching first aid and health and safety to members of the public and employees from local businesses and schools.

He was once Divisional Officer of the Hungerford Division and assisted at the scene of the Hungerford massacre which tragically took place in the town. Steve has also undertaken the role of Assistant County Commissioner for St John Berkshire, responsible for the training and development of their volunteers, a role from which he retired earlier this year.

Outside St John, Steve is a warrant officer in the 211 Newbury squadron Air training corps and is also involved in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme for West Berkshire schools.

Talking about the investiture service, Steve said, 'I had a great day up at St John's Gate meeting other members from all across the country. I am really pleased to have been invited and would like to thank my family and other St John Berkshire members who have supported me during my 30 years within  the organisation.'

Sir Brian Jenkins said; 'Steve is being honoured today in recognition of his dedicated service. He has made an outstanding contribution to St John Ambulance and to his community in Berkshire, It is with great pride that I invest him today into the Order of St John.'