A DEDICATED community champion in the Dursley area has spoken of her delight after receiving a royal seal of approval for her work.

Indigo Redfern, the CEO of GL11 Community Hub in Cam, has officially been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the community for 2023.

Indigo was presented with her MBE honour by the Princess Royal at a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, September 27. 

During Covid, the charity supported households across the GL11 area helping vulnerable people with their shopping, prescriptions and provided more than 7,000 hot meals.

Speaking afterwards, she said: “I don’t think my MBE award had quite sunk in until I went to Windsor. 

“I felt part of a whole different world there, with so many other fantastic people receiving their MBE’s – and I was one of them! 

“I felt so proud to receive this award from HRH the Princess Royal for leading GL11 Community Hub and all we achieved together during the pandemic.”

Gazette Series: Indigo Redfern receiving her MBE from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle Indigo Redfern receiving her MBE from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle (Image: GL11 Community Hub)

Indigo, who started working at GL11 in 2014, previously admitted to the Gazette that she accidentally deleted the email about her MBE nomination because she mistook it for spam. 

The GL11 Community Project, which started over 21 years ago, was formed when Cam’s Family Centre closed.

The charity has since established warm hubs, a community pantry, a cost-of-living-support day plus other activities and advice for vulnerable people. 

During the previous winter season, the charity helped organise warm spaces in Cam and Dursley that were open on almost every day on a rota. 

Indigo's MBE was awarded by the King in the New Year's Honours List for 2023, which was his first honours list.

Gazette Series: Indigo Redfern is the CEO of GL11 Community Hub based in Cam Indigo Redfern is the CEO of GL11 Community Hub based in Cam (Image: GL11 Community Hub)

The Honours List comes out twice a year - once at New Year and a second time for the King's official birthday.

Honours are awarded based on merit or on exceptional achievement or service and have been given out by monarchs since at least 1348, according to the Cabinet Office.

MBE is the third highest ranking after an OBE and is given for an outstanding achievement or service to the community which has had a long-term, significant impact.