00:00Welcome, welcoming me here. I absolutely love investitures because I get to meet the most incredibly special people and this lady on my road.
00:12As you are here to witness, and the courage and support is absolutely one of them, it's not an easy feat to be awarded the British Empire level.
00:23It's very rigorously assessed. I love it because I actually think it's fun enough one of the most special because it will have your name engraved on it.
00:34And it's the only one that does. So if you have an NB or CB or any of the others, they are in effect anonymous, but not the British Empire medals.
00:43So this is for Jenny alone. You've done such wonderful things. I'm going to ask, in a minute, Christy to read the citation.
00:53Christy is one of my deputy lecterns and they only go to, as I said, very special people.
01:01So without more ado, Christy, can I ask you please to read something?
01:05Yes, I'm speaking to your back. The medal has been awarded for services to the community in Crawley, West Sussex.
01:14For over 30 years, Jennifer Dobson has volunteered at and then run the local parent and toddler group in Pound Hill and Worth.
01:25She began helping to run the sessions when her son was a toddler and she has now run the group herself for over 20 years.
01:34She regularly sets up a range of activities for the children, from trains and construction to dressing up, books, singing and crafts,
01:45and is now assisted by a team of helpers, including her retired husband.
01:51As well as being determined to provide for the children and adults in her local community,
01:57Jenny is keen to offer opportunities for pre-school children to develop socially and emotionally as well as in their language, communication skills and physical development.
02:12The group is a space for parents, grandparents, foster carers and child minders to come together and meet others
02:21and has enabled many adults to make friends and socialise.
02:27After three decades, the group now has adults attending who were part of the group when they were children.
02:35It's a testament to Jenny's hard work, enthusiasm and determination that the group continues to be so successful
02:45and offers so much to the local community.
02:50For her dedication to her local community, through her work at the Pound Hill and Worth Parent and Toddler Group,
02:58Jennifer Dobson is awarded the British Empire Medal.
03:02Jenny, on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, it gives me the greatest joy to invest you with this medal,
03:23the British Empire Medal, and to thank you from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the King
03:28for everything you have done for your community.
03:30You are an exceptional person.
03:43I think Neil's going to say something for me.
03:48Jenny has prepared something, so I will read it out.
03:55She wants to say thank you all for coming,
03:57and she'd like to acknowledge all those who have helped and supported her over the years.
04:03It's truly an honour to receive this,
04:06and it's something that she just did because it needed to be done.
04:11She's done with the top of the group, and we may continue.
