Queen's Service Medal
Gwen Fairbrother is not one to seek the limelight, preferring instead that her contributions to our community go unnoticed.
But today Mrs Fairbrother has been awarded a Queen's Service Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours list and with it comes publicity. "I feel almost embarrassed," she said.
Mrs Fairbrother has
been honoured for her services to Dannevirke and for her generous donations to organisations and groups, including the St John Health Shuttle, the theatre company, the Dannevirke A&P Society and the brass band. She also provided the funding for Dannevirke's town clock and the southern "Welcome" sign.
Along with all the visible signs of her generosity, there are many philanthropic acts which she prefers to keep quiet, but she told the Dannevirke News one of her most important contributions to the community came during her 30 years at Dannevirke High School - 23 as assistant principal.
"In those days the high school had a roll of 846 and there was something special about passing on my knowledge and passion to the pupils," she said.
For her former pupils and fellow staff members, the words on a plaque she received on her retirement in 1983 say it all, "her deportment, bearing and personal character will long leave their mark on the community".
Mrs Fairbrother said her philanthropic work began 25 years ago when she and her late husband, Rod, donated a "Welcome" sign which was erected at the southern entrance to town, along with a special place at the cemetery where ashes could be scattered. "This year when that same sign needed upgrading I just thought I'd pay for that too," she said.
Mrs Fairbrother has never wanted to leave Dannevirke. "I just don't want the spotlight on me."
Tararua District Mayor Roly Ellis said: "Her contribution and help is huge, but the great thing about Gwen is that she doesn't come out and shout about what she's done."
