Carlisle's Margaret Bravo receives MBE from prince at Windsor Castle

Margaret Bravo started out at the former Church of England school in Kingstown in 1969 (now Kengas) and then moved to St Peter’s Preschool, at St Peter’s Church on Kingstown Road, 27 years later, where she is still running the pre-school.

Mrs Bravo was recognised in this year's New Years Honours list for contributions to early years education - receiving the MBE at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, November 8 from HRH The Prince of Wales.

She was awarded the prestigious honour in the 2021/2022 list and attended the investiture with her two sons Peter and Jonathan and granddaughter Natalie.

Talking about receiving the accolade Mrs Bravo said: "I have had a magical life.

"My life has has been lovely and this award has came quite of the blue.

"The day I had my investiture was amazing, something which my family will never forget.

Margaret with her sons and granddaughter at the investiture (Image: Supplied)

"Since my wedding day in 1958 to my lovely Malcolm (her late husband) I have never had a day like that - it was a day that was very much based around me, which was magical!

"I met so many amazing people from all walks of life and then to go into the presence of Prince William and have him give me the MBE it was something I'll never forget.

"My family who witnessed the whole ceremony were so thrilled and I shall always be grateful to Miss Rowley." 

The much-admired Carlisle education leader found out she would receive the Honour on New Years Day this year.

Mrs Bravo was nominated for the award by Judith Rowley, a former English teacher from Carlisle who often went into the pre-school to help children with sewing and could be found in the book corner with one or two children reading them stories which they loved.

Miss Rowley had been nominating Margaret for the award for a number of years, unknown to Margaret, for her commitment to education in the city.

READ MORE: Carlisle pre-school run by the same woman for 50 years is rated outstanding by Ofsted

Margaret said: "Unknown to me, Miss Rowley for the last three years had been nominating me to get me a gong as they call it - to get me some kind of recognition from outside of Cumbria for the work that I do."

On the third attempt Mrs Bravo was offered an MBE by the late Queen.

Margaret with children from the school on the 50th anniversary (Image: Supplied)

Unfortunately, Miss Rowley died shortly after Margaret found out she had received her MBE, but Mrs Bravo was able to phone her and thank her.

Talking about the nursery school, Margaret said that it is the family atmosphere, faithful parents and staff which keeps the school at its best.

She said: "We are a close knit family, my school, and it has got to stay like this.

"Everybody is important and every child has got to be an individual."