Back in the UK, Brenda resumed her police and reserve army careers, becoming a staff officer - a prestigious role, but she missed having a team of soldiers around her.
Then on a big parade she met some women from FANY – the all-women’s military charity. She found these ladies to be great fun, and liked the uniform – so applied to join and is still very much involved. FANY supports the military and the police, for example by manning call centres during major public incidents.
On retiring from the police, Brenda has focused her energies on charity work in her local community, helping to organise events for senior citizens. She continues to be seen on parade, as mace bearer for the leader of Christchurch Council.
Brenda’s proudest moment came in 2004 when she was awarded an MBE for service to the community, policing and charities.