Esher & Walton Conservative Association (EWCA) is delighted with the news that one of our long-serving members, Mrs Olga Denyer, has been awarded the British Empire Medal.
The announcement, on behalf of HM The Queen, reads: "On 1 June 2015 Esher & Walton Conservative Association were delighted to be advised by Mrs Olga Denyer of Hersham that it was with great pleasure that on the advice of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to award Olga an Honorary British Empire Medal (BEM). The honour is conferred on Mrs Denyer by Her Majesty in recognition of her voluntary political service."
EWCA's executive committee was informed on Monday June 2 by chairman, John Caton, and Olga was warmly congratulated by all present.
Olga, who was married to former Mayor of Elmbridge, Derek Denyer, who died in 2012, said: "Initially I was totally shocked to receive the all-important letter, I then got excited, but soon after I felt deeply humbled to know that 'Her Majesty is graciously pleased to award me this honour'. I only wish my beloved husband was here with me and share my thrill and gratitude."
Reflecting on her years of service to the Association, which included four years as Chairman and a role in fundraising which continues to this day, she added: "I could have never managed without the support of my fellow officers, and at all times I had the 100% of our Members of Parliament, so much so that till this day I am still enjoying their friendship."
Olga got involved with the Conservatives in 1988 and was invited to join the Hersham Branch Committee the following year, and soon the Chertsey & Walton Executive.
This was the constituency led by then MP Sir Geoffrey Pattie and had a Patron Club, which Olga recruited members for and helped take it from strength to strength.
After boundary changes Olga and Derek were present in 1995 when Philip Hammond, now Foreign Secretary, was elected to succeed Geoffrey as Conservative candidate in the new Runnymede & Weybridge constituency.
Olga got involved with the newly created Esher & Walton constituency Association as chairman of the women's committee, and launched the Disraeli Club - a new incarnation of the Patrons Club - which continues to attracted distinguished speakers and raise funds for the association. Olga is also Chairman of the Hersham branch of the Conservatives. She says her involvement has brought "tremendous pleasure and satisfaction" over the years.
Esher & Walton Conservative Association congratulates Mrs Olga Denyer, BEM, for this marvellous achievement and thank her for all her hard work for the Esher & Walton Constituency. Olga is a Vice President & Trustee of Esher & Walton Conservative Association and Chairman of the Esher & Walton Constituency Fundraising Committee.