A LEADING light in Wiltshire’s music and amateur dramatic circles has been recognised for his service to the local community in today’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Philip James Courage has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the community in Bradford on Avon.

Andrew Lord, chief executive of Salisbury-based charity, Alabaré, was also today awarded an MBE in recognition of his work with homeless people, and vulnerable adults and young people.

Mr Courage, 72, of Springfield, has lived in Bradford on Avon for the past 48 years with his wife Anthea, and has three daughters Kate, Felicity and Rachael.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be awarded the BEM. I found out about three months ago and was sworn to secrecy.

“I think the main reason that I have received it is for my work with Wiltshire Children’s Breakaway, a charity set up to give disadvantaged children a holiday.

“To date, we have provided over 1,000 holidays to children recommended by social services. I have just led a very dedicated team for the past 20 years doing that.”

Mr Courage, who comes from East Sussex, retired 12 years ago from his job at Wiltshire College in Chippenham teaching students with learning difficulties.

He has a lifelong interest in drama and has been involved with many different operatic societies and drama groups in the Wiltshire area as a performer, theatre director, set designer and stage manager.

Mr Courage has been a leading light The Bradfordians Dramatic Society in Bradford on Avon for 48 years and has twice been its chairman.

He has directed more than 60 productions for various groups, including The Bradfordians’ recent production of Tess of the D’Ubervilles.

He is delighted that his three daughters have all inherited his interest in music, drama and theatre.

Mr Courage is also the current president of Bradford on Avon Lions Club and has been involved with the Iford Arts Festival as a stage manager.

This year, publication of the Queen’s Birthday Honours was delayed from June to give the opportunity to recognise those who have played a significant part in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.

The announcement comes today on Saturday, October 10, the date which marks both World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day.

Andrew Lord's MBE in the Queen’s honours recognises his incredible contribution to the support of homeless and vulnerable adults and young people over the last 20 years.

Mr Lord became chief executive of the Salisbury charity in May 2000. It has Christian care centres and a charity shop in Salisbury, a care centre and winter night shelter, The Haven, in Trowbridge, and a care centre in Andover.

He has guided the charity to now reach those in need across the south and south west, and north and south Wales.

In that time, the charity has helped thousands of vulnerable and marginalised people who are homeless or have been in urgent need of support, transforming their lives and giving them new skills and bright futures.

Mr Lord said: “It is a great honour to receive this award. I have fully enjoyed my 20 years at Alabaré, seeing a wonderful team deliver care and support to vulnerable people in Wiltshire and further afield.

“With the team at Alabaré we have made vast strides in helping more and more people in need across our region, giving them the skills and support they need to rebuild their lives.

"But our work in ending homelessness is not finished. So, whilst the award marks what we have achieved, there is much to do.

“Covid-19 has brought challenges to all. At Alabaré we were determined to continue to deliver the vital support in our homes at a time when we were in lockdown and when there was much concern and anxiety.

“It is testament to the incredible team here at Alabaré that we have been able to keep our clients safe, well and supported throughout such unprecedented times.

“This winter could be one of the hardest yet, with Covid still dominating our lives, and more people at risk of homelessness as a result of the economic turmoil from lockdown.

“I am proud and glad to be here with our staff team, our supporters and partner agencies to support all those in crisis and need in the coming months and years, and help each towards a new, independent and fulfilling life.”

Other Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients in north and west Wiltshire are:

CBE (Commanders of the Order of the British Empire)

  • Simon Gerald Routh-Jones, QFSM, of Marlborough, HM chief inspector, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, for services to the Fire and Rescue Service

OBE (Officers of the Order of the British Empire)

  • Paulette Cope, of Trowbridge, project manager, Phoenix II, Land Equipment, Ministry of Defence, for services to Ministry of Defence
  • Timothy James Dawson, of West Ashton, chief executive officer, SkyDemon, for services to Aviation Safety

MBE (Members of the Order of the British Empire)

  • Michael Andrew Biggar, of Malmesbury, for services to charity and the NHS during the Covid-19 response
  • Andrew Richard Lord, of Amesbury, chief executive officer, Alabare, for services to the community in Wiltshire particularly during Covid-19
  • Arthur Richard Edward Curtis, of Warminster, founder, TILE, Experience UK, ITEC and ETSA, for services to International Trade and Exports
  • Alison Edgar, of Chippenham, managing director, Sales Coaching Solutions, for services to Entrepreneurship and Small Business
  • Belinda Mary Southwell, JP, of Warminster, volunteer, HMP Erlestoke, for services to offender rehabilitation and the community in Wiltshire
  • John Charles Lyons, of Westbury, media officer, Operation Cabrit, for public service

BEM (Medallists of the Order of the British Empire)

  • Philip James Courage, of Bradford on Avon, for services to the community in Bradford-on-Avon
  • Joy Nancy Guy, of Burbage, for services to education
  • Richard Jefferies, of Warminster, for services to the community in Mere during Covid-19