Mr Trought was one of several Bailiwick residents who were named in the 2020 New Years’ Honours list, but soon after the announcement Buckingham Palace stopped investiture ceremonies due to the pandemic.
He said he still had the option of waiting and going to the palace once the pandemic restrictions had eased, but this was likely to be some time in the future.
Instead, he expected to come over to Guernsey to receive the award from Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, who presented awards to other Bailiwick award winners in November.
‘The Lt-Governor asked me if I would like to receive it in Alderney,’ he said.
‘It was very kind of him to take time out of his schedule to come all the way up here to present it.’
The ceremony took place in the Anne French Room in the Island Hall, and because it was in his home island Mr Trought was able to have far more guests than he would have been able to take to Buckingham Palace, or even Government House.
About 80 people attended, including some of Mr Trought’s family from Guernsey.
‘It’s fantastic, because this award is for serving the community and it’s being presented in the community,’ he said.
Afterwards he went out to lunch with family and friends and had another celebration planned for yesterday.
Current Alderney States president William Tate said Mr Trought had been a hard-working servant of the island for many years as president of the States, but also as a member of the lifeboat station on shore and at sea: ‘He really has made a significant all-round contribution to our island, so we’re absolutely delighted to see him receive this award,’ he said.
Sir Ian said that these were ‘unusual times’ and he was delighted that the ceremony could take place in Alderney: ‘Given Stuart’s long and loyal service to this close-knit community, I think it’s very fitting that so many islanders were able to witness the ceremony, right here in the building where he spent so much time working for Alderney.
‘It’s a great day for the island.’
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