After a week of temperamental weather, the sun shone down on those who had their hard work recognised, and the friends, family and colleagues they brought along to celebrate with.
The awards were named in alphabetical order.
Ian Brown was made an MBE for his cycling accomplishments and charity work, including Rock to Rocque, the 30-30 Challenge and setting up the charity Wheels for You to make cycling accessible to everyone.
‘It was a great shock, I wasn’t expecting it at all and I found out six weeks ago but couldn’t tell anyone,’ he said.
‘There’s a lot of people here today who knew nothing about it. I had permission to tell my wife and daughters a few weeks ago and that’s it.’
He said that he didn’t do any of it to strive for an award, but felt accountable to do something.
‘It’s been fun and enjoyable and very rewarding and satisfying, I’ve met friends I wouldn’t have met otherwise and the award is just the icing on the cake,’ he said.
‘It’s been a really great experience.’
For 26 years of community contributions with St Martin’s douzaine, Ben Gregg was awarded the British Empire Medal.
A decade of his time with the parish has been spent as dean of the douzaine, but he has also served as procurer of the poor and dedicated thousands of hours to maintaining parish land and repairing and improving infrastructure.
‘I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without the parishioners re-electing me each time, so it is really down to them,’ he said.
Mr Gregg said he really enjoyed the practical side of the role and was surprised to receive the news that he would be recognised for his work.
Swimming stalwart Jo Norman was awarded the British Empire Medal for more than 48 years of voluntary service to swimming and water safety in Guernsey, which began with the Guernsey Swimming Club at La Vallette in the 1970s.
She has been a qualified swimming teacher for more than 40 years and has served on the GSC committee since 1977.
‘It feels wonderful to be recognised. I was very surprised,’ she said.
‘If it wasn’t for Guernsey Swimming Club putting me forward, I wouldn’t be here today. The committee, directors and everybody else, it’s a wonderful family club.’
Mrs Norman said it was difficult to keep the news a secret and made excuses when she was inviting loved ones to celebrate with her. Forty-eight years on and she still enjoys everything about it.
‘I’ve taught everyone from the babies right up to 80-year-olds. Now I sit on the side and give little bits of information. I don’t get in the water much these days but I’m still there twice a week,’ she said.
‘I love the camaraderie and being with the children. When you volunteer you do it because you want to and I’ve always enjoyed that.’
Government House’s deputy head gardener Colin Prigent was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal, Silver, as one of the longest serving members at Government House with 25 years of service with the grounds team.
As a highly knowledgeable and skilled gardener, he supervises propagating plants and, as the team’s turf specialist, takes pride in the lawns.
He supports schools, charities and public events and has mentored and supported workers and apprentices with patience and care. He was presented with the award for his loyalty and service to the Crown.
‘I enjoy it because it changes all the time and I’m still enjoying it after 25 years,’ he said.
The Guernsey Conservation Volunteers were also honoured as the first recipients of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which was announced in November last year.
The charity delivers hands-on work to conserve the Bailiwick’s natural environment, providing a practical capability that links key landowners, environmental agencies and the community to protect and enhance local biodiversity.
It aligns with His Majesty’s priorities of climate and the community.
You need to be logged in to comment.