Most Excellent order of the British Empire, Civil Division M.B.E.; Serving Sister of the Order of St John Ambulance; Defence Medal; Imperial Service Medal QEIIR (MURIEL ETHEL SPOKES)
Muriel Ethel Spokes was one of a breed who dedicated her life to the service of others. Born in Birmingham in 1907 she gained employment with the Post Office with whom, according to the 1939 Register, she was a Civil Servant, Sorting Clerk, Counter Clerk and Telegraphist - living at 61 Jockey Road in Sutton Coldfield.
She was awarded the Imperial Service Medal in 1967 and the British Empire Medal in 1986 for a "lifetime's work with the sick & elderly."
The Sutton Coldfield News of 20 June 1986 refers,
"Sutton's Muriel Ethel Sparks was awarded the MBE for a lifetime's voluntary work for the sick and elderly. Seventy nine year old Miss Sparks of Jockey Road, has steered a number of groups helping hospitals in Birmingham and the Midlands. As Secretary of the Birmingham & District Post Office and British Telecom Pensioners Association, she helped boost welfare and entertainment for 3300 retired workers - after her 44 years work at the Post Office. She will also be remembered for boosting facilities at the Geriatric Department of the Dudley Road Hospital, where she chairs the Hospital's League of Friends. Miss Spokes is also Officer-Sister of the Order of St John and a former President of the Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham Area of St John.
During the Second World War she used to help the Fire Watchers and run a Forces Canteen in New Street Station. She used to run Girl Guides and Sea Rangers - "I have been lucky enough to have good health all my life, and so have tried to help the less fortunate," Miss Stokes said after receiving her award."
At the age of 89 she was the President of the Royal Society of St George and presided over their dinner in April 1996. This remarkable lady passed away in Birmingham on 1 May 2001.
Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated. Sold with copied research.
