Selfless service earns Bluffite new title
MORE than 8,800 voluntary hours of service over 35 years in the St John’s Priory have led to a selfless Bluffite earning the title of Dame.
Catherin Dedman was born 55 years ago in the same house she still lives in. “I was in too much of a hurry to arrive to wait for my mom to get to hospital to deliver me.” The bookkeeper-by-day has been involved in the St John Brigade for 35-years. She is qualified as an intermediate life support medic and is the officer commanding the KZN Brigade.
The original Order of St John was an order of chivalry that originated in the 11th century and has undergone numerous revivals and changes, resulting in Queen Victoria of England granting a Royal Charter in 1888 to establish the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. The various orders now operate in 43 countries.
To become a Knight or Dame in the Order of St John, a person must be nominated by an existing Knight or Dame, who must submit details of the nominee’s achievements and service. Once the application has been approved by an honours and awards committee, it is sent to Queen Elizabeth for final approval.
When Catherine heard she was selected as a recipient of the title, she was honoured. “It was totally unexpected and humbling. The hours put in over the years, both teaching and serving the community, were given freely and without expectation of reward. It is really an honour to know my colleagues in St John recognise the work I have done. It is also only possible because of my family, fellow members and friends who have supported me in all my endeavours.”
She became involved in the service after leaving school. “I had time on my hands and enrolled for a first aid course. After the course I started assisting as a demonstrator at part-time courses and from there I joined the First Durban Division as a volunteer.”
She said her husband, Maurice and son, Rowan (30) have been supportive, despite her long hours of dedicated service to St John. “Rowan is currently my esquire, an intermediate life support medic and operations manager for Rescue Care ambulance service. He said he has been in St John for 30 years and 9 months, with all the duties I did while I was expecting.
My years in St John have been absolutely inspiring and incredible and the members have become my extended family. I hope my passion will be shared among many more people.
I love being involved with people and being able to provide a service when they are injured. I also find it satisfying to teach a much-needed skill to people. I hope I am able to continue this for many more years.”
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
