British Empire Medal presented to Sara Bowers

The award for services to the community was made in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June and Sara received the medal from the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mrs Susan Pyper, at the White Horse in Steyning last Monday.

Deputy Lieutenant Harry Goring read out the citation to the small gathering of close family, friends and representatives from the organisations and societies Sara has been involved with during the 30 years she and her husband Rob have had the High Street bookshop.

Julie Belton, chairman of Steyning and District Business Chamber, organised the event and the White Horse provided their downstairs dining area.

Sara said: “Everyone agreed that it was a very jolly event and my thanks must go to all concerned, especially the staff of the White Horse, who managed to cope impeccably with our special gathering while also serving the large number of diners upstairs, who were enjoying a free sausage and mash evening. Only in Steyning!”

Sara said the bookshop had been at the centre of many cultural activities in Steyning but the award had been a ‘big surprise’.