St John Day is a special day in the St John Ambulance calendar.

And this year, on June 24, the special day to go ahead with a small outdoor gathering of Cheshire St John volunteers, hosted by the Lord Lieutenant, David Briggs.

There was also the opportunity to present medals and bars that had been waiting during the pandemic.

Don Fitzroy Smith has a list of achievements, including Surgeon Commander RNR, Membership of the Order of St John, County Medical Officer, County Commander and County priory, leading the Honours and Awards sub-committee.

Speaking about the St John Day celebrations, he explained: “Laura Prentice, who manages the St John unit in Winsford, was awarded her Service Medal to mark ten years of qualifying service with St John Ambulance.

“During the pandemic, Laura has been acting as the St John lead at the Chester Racecourse vaccination centre.

“Andy Brookes, also from the Winsford unit, was awarded a bar to his Service Medal, marking a further five years’ service.

“As a paramedic working with the North West Ambulance Service, the pandemic has been a particularly busy time for him.”

The day involved a short business meeting with a prayer led by the County Chaplain, Rev Brian Harris.

There was then a social gathering in the garden, along with the presentations and a barbecue.

The Lord Lieutenant event received his fifth bar medal.

Don added: “Barbara Smith was also brought from the residential home where she has been shielding throughout the pandemic by our volunteer area manager, Michael Sheffield, in one of our St John Ambulances.

“She really enjoyed the fuss made of her and her award marking her seventy years volunteer service was a complete surprise to her.

“Barrie Davies MBE, who has been leading the Cheshire County Priory Group since 2012, is stepping down.

“To recognise all he has accomplished during his tenure he was presented with a valedictory gift of a Chester hallmarked silver dish by the Lord Lieutenant, as well as a framed certificate of appreciation that he had signed.

“He received his MBE in the New Year Honours List 2013 for service to St John Ambulance, Cheshire. He was recently promoted in the Order of St John to Commander and is awaiting a date for his investiture that has been delayed by the pandemic.”