IT WAS a day to remember for Bangor’s Elizabeth Hamilton when she received her MBE at Windsor Castle recently.
The 76 year-old security guard at Stormont received the honour from Princess Ann who encouraged her to ‘keep on doing what you are doing, you are obviously good at it’.
Elizabeth, who has lived in the seaside city since 1979, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Years Honours list.
This modest local woman, who initially believed her honour was a ‘scam’, was still coming to terms with her success as she was presented her honour by Prince Anne, in the Berkshire royal residence.
Recalling the moment she received her honour, Elizabeth introduced herself saying: “I was a bit nervous but I was looking forward to it. I told the Princess Royal that I was Elizabeth Rose Hamilton.”
Princess Anne was clearly impressed by Elizabeth as she replied: “I know everything about you. You worked in the ring of steel and in Stormont Castle for 28 years.”
She urged the Bangor woman to keep up her good work as Elizabeth recalled: “She told me to ‘keep doing what you’re doing as you are obviously good at it’ and she shook my hand.”
Elizabeth’s honour comes after decades of public service that took place throughout the darkest days of the Troubles when she worked in the Civilian Search Unit in Belfast.
The ring of steel was a security corden, made up of a series of fences, turnstiles and search stations around the city centre where members of the public were searched as they passed through the checkpoints before going to work, shop or socialise.
Elizabeth recalled the danger of her public service role which ultimately led to the death of a friend and colleague Norma Spence.
“We would search people, buses and vans,” she said. “It was frightening. There was the bomb at the Grand Central Hotel and I couldn’t hear for six months.
Twenty five year-old Norma Spence and 21 year-old James Nowasad, a trooper with the Royal Tank Regiment, were carrying out security checks close to St Anne’s Cathedral in Lower Donegall Street, on March 3, 1978.
In what became known as the ‘Rag Day Killings’, four gunmen dressed as Arabs during student Rag Day celebrations, approached the checkpoint and threw flour before opening fire on their victims.
Recalling those dark days and her loss, Elizabeth said: “One of my friends Norma Spence died, she was only 25 years old and she was shot dead by the IRA, and the public loved her.”
Elizabeth has gone on to enjoy a career she loves during an era of peace, that has culminated in her receiving a Royal honour – although she found it hard to take in the news initially.
“I thought it was a scam and I phoned the Cabinet Office. They said ‘congratulations you have got the MBE’. I asked them ‘are you sure, I am only a security guard’ but they said ‘you are very well thought of’.”
Said Elizabeth: “My motto has always been to treat people in life equally. That’s the way I think you should be with people.”
The local woman will forever cherish her day at Windsor Castle. “It was emotional, just for a split second, a tear came to my eye,” said Elizabeth.
“Prince Anne was a lovely lady, I always liked her, she was a straight talker. It was a very special day that I will never forget. I am so proud, it is a wonderful honour.”
Clearly doing a job she loves, Elizabeth has no plans to retire.
“I love it, I couldn’t retire, I like the job I am doing. I am based at Stormont Castle, I check people’s passes and let staff in, check in any commercial vehicles and greet members of the public.”
Accepting her award on behalf of all working people, Elizabeth said: “I know I am getting the award but it is for all the working people, they do a great job and they are not recognised. Some people can do a demanding job and it is taken for granted. I have been very lucky.”
