A memorable day for June Butler MBE
On 17th December, June Butler, Secretary to the Dioceses of Connor and Down & Dromore, visited Buckingham Palace to receive her MBE from HRH Prince Charles.
June, who was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for contribution to electoral services in Northern Ireland, was joined by her husband Kevin and daughters Rebecca, Hannah and Kirsty.
The investiture took place in the Ballroom, the largest room in the palace, and she was one of 118 awardees honoured that very cold day.
"It was a once in a lifetime experience,' said June, "and I met some amazing people. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the exchanges Prince Charles had with each of us.
"He asked me about running elections in Northern Ireland, how long I had been doing it for, and my experience of working with politicians.
"He asked if I still worked in the electoral field and I told him I was with the Church of Ireland. He commented that that must not be as challenging and I told him I could not entirely agree with that, it has its moments!"
The family celebrated afterwards with tea at the Ritz.
June, who is a parishioner of Saintfield, became diocesan secretary last year after working for the Electoral Office of Northern Ireland for more than 22 years, nine of those as Assistant Chief Electoral Officer.