Honours recipients pleased that the secrecy is over
THE Bailiwick’s four recipients of King’s birthday honours came together on Saturday to receive the congratulations of the public at a reception at Government House.
Newly-knighted Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon was joined by Alan Gough MBE, David Warr OBE, and Kevin Adams BEM to receive the congratulations of Lt-Governor Richard Cripwell and the public gathered for the lunchtime event.
Sir Richard was awarded his knighthood for services to the Crown and community and said it was a special moment for those closest to him.
‘I have two children who were extremely pleased to hear the work that I’ve done over the years has been recognised,’ he said. ‘Family is extremely important.’
Former chief minister Deputy Lyndon Trott also congratulated the Bailiff on well-deserved recognition.
‘I remember with particular fondness his time as external relations, policy and legal advisor to the Policy Council, during my time as chief minister,’ he said.
‘It was obvious to us all, even back then, that his inherent ability, good judgement, calmness and knowledge of the law, meant that he was destined for great things.
‘It was no surprise to any of us that he rose to the position of Guernsey’s “first citizen”.
‘He is a humble and unpretentious man, who is able to relate to all ages and abilities.’
Mr Warr received his award due to his services to the community, reflecting on his extensive local charitable work, including chairing Vive La Vallette to redevelop the bathing pools.
‘It’s such a relief to be able to let the guys know, it’s as much about them as it is me. This brings a whole new meaning to “taking one for the team”,’ he said.
He attended the reception with his family, including his mother, Betty, who was evacuated from Guernsey at the start of the Occupation.
‘I’m very pleased for David he has worked so hard for it,’ she said.
Mr Warr’s sister, Maggie Sanders, added how important Vive La Vallette had been.
‘We would never have been able to take mum to the bathing pools before but we can now that it’s all accessible.’
Mr Adams was awarded for his services to Sark, where he is the Prevot.
He said that a bit of trickery was needed to avoid the secret getting out.
‘I’ve had to bit my lip a couple of times because it’s just been so hard, I had to feed them a lie and say the Governor was interested in me just because of my 30 years with the Sark Fire Service.’
He added that being on the honours list runs in the family.
‘My great grandfather was a BEM, and my grandfather was an MBE.’
Mr Gough, who was awarded his MBE for services to local music, was also relieved to be able to break the news.
‘It’s been really nice to share and get all the messages of congratulations. It’ll be a week before I’ve finished telling everyone,’ he said.
The event also featured a collection of music played by the Schools Music Service.
As part of his speech, Lt General Cripwell remarked on how welcome he had been made to feel over his first year in Guernsey.
‘Places are wonderful, but people are what make the sauce of somewhere,’ he said.
