Kentish Express Ashford & District
Community champions get honours from the Queen
Royal recognition for our unsung heroes across the borough
A scout leader and seaman are among those in the district whose work in the community has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Cllr Julian West, who has been scout leader in Woodchurch for 38 years, has played a number of key roles in the village and has earned a British Empire Medal for his efforts.
He was born in Willesborough Hospital and has lived in Woodchurch ever since.
Cllr West has served on the village’s council for almost 30 years, and has performed the task of chairman for the last eight.
As scout leader, his unit has recently taken trips to New Zealand, Hong Kong and Norway, with another to Canada expected this year.
Part of the church community, the full-time William Harvey Hospital employee works on the church council and teaches bell-ringing in his spare time.
Of his efforts around the village, he said: “It’s just that I have the time to dedicate to it.
“I’ve spent my whole life here and it’s a great place.
“There are lots of organisations and lovely people in Woodchurch, and there’s plenty going on.
“A lot of people have written letters to congratulate me, and it’s unbelievable to know that people think I deserve it.
“A huge thank you to those who nominated me, I feel quite humbled by it.”
Popular seaman and event organiser Carey Marsh is also to be honoured with a British Empire Medal for services to sailing and the community of Tenterden.
The 87-year-old has been a member of Rye Sailing Club for about 50 years, serving as the president for 14 years of this time.
By popular demand, a clubrun rescue boat was named after him when it was bought with a £10,000 Sport England grant in 2013.
He also played an integral role in the Detling Steam Rally, ran the RNLI in Tenterden and helped organise the town’s May Fayre.
Tenterden Town councillor and friend of more than 20 years, Cllr Harry Hickmott, said: “He’s an absolutely smashing man and it’s so well-deserved.
“He’s not a person who boasts about what he’s done, but he’s done so much and has never asked for any reward for all the things he’s achieved.
“He’s one of the nicest people you can associate with.”
Mr Marsh said: “I’m delighted and very surprised.
“I never did any of it for a medal, only to enjoy myself, but it’s lovely to be recognised out of the blue.
“Thank you very much to those who nominated me, it’s a very nice way to start the year.”
‘He’s an absolutely smashing man and is not a person who boasts about what he’s done...’