Honoured for services to the Royal British Legion

She is currently President of the Northern Ireland District, having previously served as NI Chairman. She also represents NI on the RBL Women’s Section National Central and Finance Committees in London.

“It was my father, the late Ernest Sprague of Dromara, who first got me involved with the Legion,” said Joanne. “He served on the staff of Field Marshal Montgomery during the Second World War, in North Africa, France and Germany and when he left the Army he became very involved locally with the Legion.

“I helped him with various activities, then soon became involved on my own accord, especially in the welfare side of RBL work. The death in Hong Kong of my dear brother Kenneth whilst serving in the Army made me want to contribute in any way possible to the welfare of bereaved families.”

Joanne was keen to stress that the award of the MBE was in recognition of the work of all the volunteers and staff in Northern Ireland who give so much time and effort to raising funds to help those in the serving and ex-service community.

“It is just great for all the unsung work, the organisation, welfare side and of course the annual Poppy Appeal to be recognised in this way and it is a source of enormous pride that the Women’s Section in Northern Ireland has won the National Award for the highest donations per head for the past 15 years. Every single one of our wonderful members shares this MBE with me. It is an honour and privilege to work with and represent them.”

Joanne also stressed how the work of the Royal British Legion is still vital.

“Many people are aware of the sacrifices made in the two World Wars by servicemen and women, but today we have the sad task of helping and supporting the bereaved families of recent conflicts in the Falklands, Iraq, Afghanistan and of course ‘the Troubles’ here at home.

“There are many families living here in Northern Ireland who are being supported and helped by the Legion, as well as far too many permanently injured and disabled members of the Forces. It is they who benefit from the work of our volunteers, and the money they raise, and I hope this recognition through the Birthday Honours List will be a small reminder to everyone of why, sadly, this work continues to be so vital.”

Joanne was born in Belfast, educated at Dromara Primary and Friends’ School, Lisburn. After some time living and working in England, Joanne moved to Hillsborough, where she still lives.