David Robilliard MBE, Marguerite Talmage BEM, Jo Reeve BEM, and King’s Ambulance Medal recipient Mark Mapp were congratulated by Lt-Governor Lt General Richard Cripwell and more than 100 guests in possession of 'wet weather invitations' to the event at Government House. The reception should have been held in the gardens of the house with more than 500 guests, but plans were changed on Friday afternoon because of forecast of rain, meaning that the guest list had to be reduced to accommodate all of those still permitted to attend inside. However, in classic British fashion, the sun shone as proceedings got under way, which allowed for photos of the honours recipients and their families to be taken outside.
Mr Robilliard, a Jurat who was awarded his MBE in recognition for his decades of service to Torteval parish and the island through the civil service, said that being part of such an occasion had been a great honour, but admitted not being able to tell his family and friends had been difficult. ‘The worst bit was having to keep it quiet for six weeks, it felt like purgatory, only my wife was allowed to know other than me,’ he said. ‘I’ve enjoyed what I’ve done on the island for so many years and I’m just thrilled to receive this honour, even if it was a little unexpected.
’ Mrs Talmage, who received her BEM in recognition for her service to a number of local charitable organisations including Grow Ltd and Wellbeing Animals Guernsey, said she had been in the airp.
