Actor’s MBE for youth work

From the archive, first published Thursday 21st Jun 2007.

After decades as a star actor on stage, screen and TV and raising thousands of pounds for many charities, George Baker has been awarded the MBE for setting up a youth club in his home village of West Lavington.

Mr Baker, probably best known for his tough TV cop, Inspector Wexford, said he was deeply honoured for the MBE for his work with local young people.

The announcement was made in the Queen's Birthday Honours List on Saturday.

Mr Baker said: "It came as a total surprise. I wasn't really expecting any honours for anything I've done. Actors I have known have worked very hard to get their knighthoods and so forth, and I haven't really done anything.

"When I was told by the Prime Minister's office that I had been nominated for the MBE, I wasn't really keen on the idea, until I realised the citation would read, for services to West Lavington Youth Club."

Mr Baker first thought of organising a youth club when, late one winter's evening, he drove into the village and saw a group of youngsters huddled in the bus shelter.

The external thermometer in his car read minus five

degrees.

He said: "We've weathered many storms over the last 14 years but now we've raised £80,000 and we've got planning permission for the new clubhouse."

Building will start in November.

Mr Baker added: "I would like to publicly thank all the kids from the youth club. This is an honour as much for them as it is for me."

Salisbury-based opera singer Rosalind Plowright, the patron of Devizes-based White Horse Opera, gets the OBE for services to opera.

Retired teacher John Smith has received an MBE for his services to the village of Sherston.

The 67-year-old, of Woods Close, served as a parish councillor and has also been secretary and chairman of the village hall committee. He organised the Sherston Carnival and has organised the Operation Christmas Child appeal depot in Sherston.

He also chaired the Sherston Child Aid Team, which raised money for a number of local charities. He is perhaps best known in the village for his response to some of the world's most horrific disasters. On many occasions, including in the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, he has sat outside the Post Office collecting money.

After his retirement, he also drove the community bus and he and his wife Pat, 62, set up a coffee shop in the village church to allow people to socialise.

Army officer David Hayes who has helped champion the cause of the legendary Ghurkas was awarded a CBE in the honours.

Col Hayes is based at the HQ of the Brigade of Ghurkas at Netheravon Camp.

Tidworth-based Major Phillip Parks from the Royal Horse Artillery received an MBE for services as a technical quartermaster.

Two officers based at Shrivenham near Swindon received the MBE; Major Christopher Boryer in recognition of his work as military assistant at Command Headquarters Allied Command Europe Rapid Action Corps, and Major Giles Brown for his previous duty as Chief of Staff at Ground Based Air Defence HQ.

Stephen John, of Colerne, was awarded an MBE for his work as an Army engineer.

Wessex Chamber of Commerce chief executive Mike Williams was made an MBE for his services to business.