Elaine Evans was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the arts in East Sussex in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list published last month.
The nomination originally came from the Royal Pavilion and Museums Foundation (RPMF) to the Prince’s Trust at Clarence House, and was then forwarded for consideration for the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Elaine has been a Regency Patron of RPMF for the last six years and her support helps to maintain this unique building.
The other Patronage close to her heart is with Actually Gay Men’s Chorus. About five years ago Elaine became a volunteer at St Andrew’s Church in Waterloo Street, where the chorus rehearse and give their concerts.
Elaine said: “I bought a ticket. What a life changing moment! I was blown away by their performance and quickly became ‘a friend’ which entitles me to attend their concerts with a guest, which is always a pleasure. The Chorus have lifted me up at some difficult times in my life.”
She continued: “Last year my spine gave up and I was forced to lie flat on my back in great pain. That was when my lovely carer John Sherlock came into my life.
“John had been a friend of Dockyard Doris (Colin Devereaux), so when I began to recover from major surgery, John accompanied me to see Privates on Parade at the Theatre Royal, starring Miss Jason who kindly met up with us after the show as a surprise for John. (Miss Jason refers to John as “the lovely queen who cares for you”.)
Elaine is looking forward to attending a Royal Garden Party this summer, but first will be in the Brighton Pride Parade with the Actually Gay Men’s Chorus on their double decker bus.
She said: “It’ll be a Royal summer to remember!”
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