QUEEN HONOURS MORDEN SECRETARY
Date of event: Monday 19th June 2000

One of Britain’s longest-serving secretaries is recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List - after working an incredible half a century in the Civil Service.

Sybil Grant is made a Member of the Victorian Order (MVO) - an honour which is a personal gift from the Sovereign.

Miss Grant, 64, of Morden, Surrey, has spent her entire career working at Horse Guards in Whitehall.

She joined the Army typing pool in 1950 aged 15. In March 1963, she became personal secretary to the Major General commanding the Household Division/General Officer commanding London District.

In the 37 years since, she has worked as PA for 13 different Major Generals. As well as the usual aspects of a secretary’s job, Miss Grant plays a vital behind-the-scenes role at State occasions such as the annual Queen’s Birthday Parade.

In 1977, she was awarded the Silver Jubilee medal and in 1992, she received the British Empire Medal (BEM).

Miss Grant’s current ‘boss’ is Major General Evelyn Webb-Carter OBE, who paid tribute to her ‘consummate discretion and loyalty’.

He said: ‘For 37 years she has been a symbol to the Household Division of a visible permanence in Horse Guards through her friendly and welcoming approach to those who have visited and worked in the building. Her record of both loyalty and excellence is most unlikely to be repeated in the modern age.’

Miss Grant was delighted to learn of her award. She said: ‘It has been a privilege and honour to work in Horse Guards all these years’.

A devoted aunt, she retires in August.