Merlene Carrington: OBV’s unsung heroine

Almost ten year ago to the day, Merlene Carrington was sworn in as one of Her Majesty’s ‘Justice of the Peace’. Otherwise known as a magistrate.

But that doesn’t tell half the story of this incredible woman. A year earlier she had taken part in one of OBV’s magistrate shadowing schemes, a project to change the face, culture and the perception of our local courts.

There are many individuals who have taken part in our projects, and some like Merlene are very special. Diligent, thoughtful, strict but compassionate and teeming with fairness. So, after shining on the course it was no surprise that the Medway courts in Kent would want her services.

Ten years later Merlene exudes an air of confidence to everyone in the court that justice will be done, be that the defendant, their families or the prosecutors.

Having spotted Merlene’s talent, we at OBV decided to employ her to help deliver our leadership project. Being one of the first to come through our magistrate scheme, Merlene along with Winsome Cornish and Francine Fernandes, helped nurture another hundred BME individuals to become magistrates, who now dispense justice in courts all over the country.

I once asked Merlene: ‘do you feel great power being a magistrate?' She replied, in her quiet but assured tone:

"It is indeed a great honour being a magistrate and working with others to see justice delivered, but I’m not a magistrate most of the time, I’m Merlene Carrington, my title is a borrowed one that I have when I sit in judgement. When I’m finished that title is removed."

Then she said with a wry smile she said:

"Simon, anyone who describes themselves mainly through the prism of a magistrate is probably a bit puffed up."

That modesty along with super smart and fair are some of the key aspects that in part describe Merlene.

This impressive, self-effacing woman has given ten years of her life as a volunteer to dispense justice in our courts as an exemplary magistrate but  also as a role model for women from all backgrounds.

Thank you from us all Merlene for being you. And may you have many more years of service.

Simon Woolley