FARNHAM’S latest inductee in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), Janet Maines, has spoken of the “greatest honour possible” after receiving her award from The Queen.

Mrs Maines, a former mayor of both Farnham and Waverley - together with fellow Farnham residents double Paralympic champion Rachel Morris and owner of the Lochnager Crater on the Somme battlefield Richard Dunning - was named MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List on January 1.

She was left guessing where she would receive her honour, and from whom - until receiving notice to attend Buckingham Palace last Thursday to be presented her award by Her Majesty.

Janet was recognised for services to the community having served as a town, borough and county councillor in Farnham since the early 1990s, as well as the Mayor of Farnham in 2000/01, Mayor of Waverley in 2004/05 and the first ever female president of the Rotary Club of Farnham in 2009/10.

She has also served as a governor of various local schools including Hale and The Abbey, and has overseen the development of The Bungalow community centre and children’s centre in Sandy Hill, as well as the 40 Degreez youth centre in Dogflud Way where she is currently the chairman of trustees.

Speaking to The Herald after her trip to the palace, Janet said she was “both honoured and humbled” to have been awarded an MBE, but added “to have it presented by the Queen was the greatest honour possible”.

Fortunately her family travelled to London the night before the ceremony as Thursday was the day Storm Doris hit the capital.

Janet’s mother died when she was just 34, so to have her mother present she wore her mother’s pearls and watch. Doris was also her mother’s Christian name so she definitely was there on the day as the storm blew over.

Victor, Janet’s partner, and her two granddaughters Roxane and Talor accompanied her in to the palace and considered themselves to “really be in luck” as they were led to the front row of the audience.

The two girls were “absolutely delighted” to be able to see everything and especially to be so close to the Queen. They even appeared in the news bulletins that showed Naomi Harris receiving her OBE.

“It was a day that they will never forget,” said Janet.

Danny, one of Janet’s sons, and his partner drove them up to London and in to the palace courtyard so was able to be part of her day and watch the photos outside being taken.

Having now ordered a DVD of the proceedings Janet will be able to watch the whole ceremony without feeling quite so nervous.

Even though she had a serious operation during 2016 she is still busy working with 40 Degreez as the chairman of trustees and is delighted that 40 Degreez is still going from strength to strength providing services for young people from birth upwards and is a well used facility for Farnham as a whole.

The website www.40Degreez.org.uk has an icon on the home page with information from the CAB to help people look for any service providing help in the area as well as information about the activities that take place at 40 Degreez.