Giving back to our community
HONOURS awarded to members of the Guernsey community are well received by the island. Generally the people who earn them are well-known, well-respected and indeed well-liked. The community celebrates their success with them.
This year, including the achievements of the still-very-local chief executive of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, we had one person recognised for sporting achievement, one for success in business and science, and one for services to this community.
‘I made sure something was done when nobody else was willing,’ said BEM recipient Roy Bisson, modestly. The energy he has expended, for various causes and largely on behalf of others, over the years, has been remarkable, and will be reflected too by many more islanders.
This weekend alone, we’ve also seen volunteers organise the 300th Parkrun locally – an event started by a volunteer when she couldn’t find anyone else who was doing it and which is now enjoyed by more than 100 people every weekend – La Societe volunteers recording plants, and the retirement from parish politics of a stalwart after 45 years.
Without these people Guernsey would be much the poorer. And so while we take a moment to celebrate those acknowledged by the King, it’s also a good opportunity to recall all those in all walks of local life who do more, so that others may benefit.