Five islanders in Queen’s Birthday Honours list

Stuart Falla is awarded the CBE for services to the community in Guernsey, while the States of Guernsey’s head of curriculum and standards Clare Sealy has been made an OBE for her work in education in inner city London.

MBEs are being presented to Richard Axton for services to heritage and the environment in Sark and Tony Creasey for services to charity and sport in Guernsey.

Patricia Child has been awarded the BEM for services to the health and voluntary sectors.

Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder said he was delighted the five people had been recognised.

‘Between them their work has probably touched the lives of most islanders in one way or another, and far wider in Clare’s case, and there’s no doubt that the Bailiwick would be a poorer place without their sustained and inspirational work,’ he said.

‘It’s also pleasing to see the award of the CBE, which is a senior honour, for work within our community. That’s a significant acknowledgement of conspicuous leadership.’

A former Castel deputy, Mr Falla served in the States between 2004 and 2008. He also helped to establish the Association of Guernsey Charities and played a key role in establishing the Guernsey Community Foundation.

He also gave almost 12 years of service as chairman of the Guernsey Sports Commission and has led the transformation of Guernsey’s King George V Memorial Playing Field.

He was made an MBE in 2003 for his work leading Guernsey’s home Island Games. He said that after getting that honour, to get another call from the Lt-Governor’s office was a great surprise.

‘It was a pleasant surprise,’ he said.

‘After getting an MBE, you don’t expect anything on top of that.’

Mr Falla said he came from a sporting family and saw the many benefits of sport first-hand. As well as fitness, he said, sport encouraged people to be disciplined, responsible and to learn teamwork.

‘I think there are a whole range of benefits for sports,’ he said.

He is still closely involved with the local sporting community.

‘I enjoy it,’ the 70-year-old said. ‘So why would I retire if I still enjoy it?’