Clacton Salvation Army member honoured with BEM

A Salvation Army member who helps provide food for vulnerable people in Clacton-on-Sea has been honoured with a British Empire Medal (BEM). 

Patricia Baker, 77, a Salvation Army Recruiting Sergeant who leads the Clacton Trussell Food Bank for the church and charity in Old Road, was recognised for her services to the community. 

Patricia said she was speechless when she got a letter from the Cabinet Office telling her that she had been nominated as part of the King’s Birthday Honours List, which marks the extraordinary contributions and service of people across the UK. 

Patricia said: “I was shocked, I thought the letter was another bill as it was the same colour!” 

Patricia’s lifelong commitment to serving others started as a Salvationist with Leyton Salvation Army, where she carried out prison visits and visited older people in hospital. She became the Young Person’s Sergeant Major, overseeing youth programmes, and carried on that role when she got married and moved to Clacton Salvation Army in 1979. 

She then started taking care of young people as part of a midnight patrol in the town, looking out for those who might be a little worse for wear after a night drinking.   

Patricia said: “I became very friendly with the community police officers and they would keep an eye out for me on their cameras and sometimes walk round with me. We had one young lad who was always in trouble, the police would ring me and ask me to go and chat with him, I always felt the young lad trusted me and I would not let him down.” 

Patricia worked with other churches to distribute food to those experiencing homelessness, worked in the charity shop for five years and now educates and guides Salvation Army soldiers in her role as Recruiting Sergeant. She also leads the food bank teams helping distribute food to those struggling in Clacton.

She said: “I’ve been doing this work for more than 60 years and I would do it all again. I feel people know and trust me, and I have a duty to give help where needed. I do feel that through God's help I have the faith and trust of so many. People have a great love and trust for The Salvation Army, especially when they see the uniform, they feel safe. 

“Over the years, the town has grown, we have a mixture of cultures and many more people experiencing homelessness. There is a deep need for our food bank, but an even greater need for God's love in the lives of its residents. We're here to help cultivate the love of God in people's lives.”  

On receiving the BEM, she added: “I want to thank my family and friends for the love and faith they have placed in me, but most of all Colonel Bramwell and Ruth Booth who were my church leaders at Leyton and had faith in me as a young 17-year-old. I salute them both, for the fact I'm still here working for the Lord and The Salvation Army.” 

Patricia will receive her medal from the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, who represents the King. 

Robert Fisher, Clacton-on-Sea Corps Sergeant Major, said: “Patricia has always devoted herself to serving others particularly those experiencing hardship or difficult situations. Her work with young people has also been a rewarding ministry. Patricia is a very modest and humble lady who wholeheartedly deserves this honour and recognition.” 

Clacton Salvation Army runs a number of activities and support services throughout the week.