Caroline heads up Borders honours as she is awarded the MBE

Among the Borderers who have been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List is Hawick’s Salvation Army Captain Caroline Brophy-Parkin, who receives the MBE.
Captain Caroline Brophy-Parkin from the Salvation Army in Hawick, who receives an MBE for services to the community during Covid-19.Captain Caroline Brophy-Parkin from the Salvation Army in Hawick, who receives an MBE for services to the community during Covid-19.
Captain Caroline Brophy-Parkin from the Salvation Army in Hawick, who receives an MBE for services to the community during Covid-19.

Caroline, who was instrumental in managing and driving the town’s much-needed foodbank during the coronavirus lockdown, says the news of the award – for services to the community in Hawick during the Covid-19 response – “absolutely floored” her.

She said: “It was a bit of a shock. It comes by email now because of Covid, so when I got the email from the Covid-19 Response Cabinet Office, I had no idea what it was.

“When I opened it up, I was totally, absolutely floored.”

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The Salvation Army in Hawick runs the town’s foodbank, which had to be stepped up hugely due to the lockdown.

Caroline said: “My son, Richard Brophy, lives in Spain, and they were a couple of weeks ahead of us, so we knew what was coming.”

So, when lockdown hit here, Caroline was one of the first to offer support.

Through her network among supermarket chains she was able to substantially increase the level of food donations that were essential to help the ever-increasing number of those in difficulty.

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More than £15,500 worth of food and toiletries were distributed from the middle of March to the end of August ... all delivered to people’s houses.

She said: “It went into overdrive.

“People were furloughed and only receiving 80% of their pay, which had a huge impact, and children were in the house more, eating more food.

“The economic impact was massive.

“I contacted Watson McAteer and Stuart Marshall, councillors in Hawick, and recommended we use a joined-up approach to the response.

“We also brought the Hawick Resilience Team on board.

“Knowing what my son was going through, livin on his own in Alicante, one of the biggest factors was loneliness. I called him every day.

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“I was aware that there would be people in this community who perhaps don’t have relatives here, and if they did, they wouldn’t be allowed to see them anyway, so it was important that people got a call.

“When we were delivering food parcels, we were able to see the stress some people were under and if they needed help, and we were able to liase with the community hub, saying perhaps someone needs to check on this person.

“We were very much on the front line.”

Caroline adapted the Salvation Army citadel in the town into a food reception and distribution centre, and focused all the group’s assets towards fighting the hardship brought about by Covid-19.

And she ensured that anyone connected to the Salvation Army in Hawick got a call at least once a week.

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Caroline moved to Hawick from Warrington seven years ago with her husband Ian Parkin and assumed the commanding officer role at the Salvation Army Corps, and set about ensuring it was a key partner in the community, opening a charity shop and organising activities, including a parent and toddler group.

On accepting the award, she said: “I feel incredibly humbled, even embarassed, to receive this, as so many people did so much in the town to help others during the lockdown.

“But it’s a great honour. I love being a part of this community ... it’s lovely to feel accepted as one of their own.”

It’s not known when Caroline will receive her medal, as investitures are not being held at the moment due to restrictions.

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Indeed, the announcement of the Queen’s Birthday Honours today was originally postponed in June.

Scottish Secretary Alister JAck said: “Today, Her Majesty has recognised many of the Scots who quietly dedicate their lives to public service, never seeking thanks or attention.

“I am very glad that so many of Scotland’s community volunteers are being recognised today.

“My congratulations go to everyone receiving an honour – you represent the very best of Scotland.”

See this week’s Southern to find out who else in the region has been honoured.