The Order of St John has awarded three long service medals to Mid Canterbury volunteers. John Tyrrell was recognised for 50 years, John Milne for 45 years and Desmond Wakelin for 35 years.
The trio were presented their awards by Michael McEvedy, a Knight of the order of St John, and Graeme Mangin, a Commander of the order of St John.
John Tyrrell
John joined Ashburton St John in 1973, becoming an events officer. Work commitments took him to Waimate, where he joined the local Combined Division.
There until 1983, he returned to the Ashburton Division. John was a valuable and keen member of the division, rising to become superintendent.
In 1993, he was made a Member of the Order. In 1999, he was promoted to an Officer of the Order in recognition of dedication and hard work.
He was a valued member of the Area Committee, and went on to become a volunteer ambulance officer in 2004. He took first aid classes for a number of years.
From 2007, he became a telecare rep and is in that position today. He also drives the Ashburton Health Shuttle.
John Milne
John joined Mayfield St John in 1979 as an events volunteer officer. He became divisional manager in 1998, worked as an ambulance officer from 2004, as well as team leader.
John was made a Member of the Order in 2011 for dedicated service. He joined the Mayfield Area Committee in 2008, and was station manager from 2013 to 2017.
In 2023, when all three stations of Ashburton, Methven and Mayfield became the Mid Canterbury Area Committee, John volunteered to join the team. John’s leadership skills and work ethic have been second to none and he is held in high regard by his peers and fellow members.
Currently, he holds the portfolio of internal support, which covers operations, youth, the op shop, the Ashburton Health Shuttle, Caring Caller and the Area Committee.
Desmond Wakelin
Desmond has been a valued team member of Mid Canterbury for more than 35 years.
Earlier this year, the Ashburton Division celebrated Des’s journey as a youth leader at their division for 35 years.
He started in the youth programme as a cadet and has also volunteered his time in operations covering events.
In 2011 Des became a Member of the Order at a Christchurch investiture.
Des is a dedicated and committed youth leader. Well respected by both cadets and leaders, he has a great relationship with his youth members and works diligently to deliver the youth programme to a high standard.
