Haywards Heath Resident receives his British Empire Medal from the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex
Published: 28 October 2021
Haywards Heath Resident receives his British Empire Medal from the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex at a reception hosted by the Town Council
Local resident and Vice Chairman of the Haywards Heath Branch of the Royal British Legion, David Collins, received his British Empire Medal from the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mrs Susan Pyper, at an investiture ceremony in the Town Hall.
David was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours this year for his services to the Poppy Appeal. The event was attended by The Lord Lieutenant, the Chair of Mid Sussex District Council, the Town Mayor, the Chairman of the Haywards Heath Branch of the Royal British Legion, Father Edward Pritchett, the new Rector of St Wilfrid’s Church and David’s family.
Cllr Howard Mundin, comments
“Honours are not easily awarded and it is wonderful that one of our very own local residents has been recognised with the British Empire Medal. These medals are conferred on individuals who make a real difference to their community and not only did David serve in the Royal Artillery for many years but he has spent many years doing valuable charitable work for the Royal British Legion and spearheading and volunteering for the poppy appeal in Haywards Heath. I applaud his generosity and kindness of spirit and congratulate him on this thoroughly well-deserved award.
I do so hope that David and his family enjoyed the reception at the Town Hall and my sincere thanks to the Lord Lieutenant, my fellow dignitaries and the Town Council who helped make the ceremony so warm and rewarding.
Charles Solomon, Chairman of the Haywards Heath Branch of the Royal British Legion, adds:
“The Haywards Heath branch of the Royal British Legion is immensely pleased at the award of the British Empire Medal to Vice Chairman David Collins. David has worked tirelessly over many years to support the aims of the RBL, being involved in helping local veterans and their families, youth liaison and international relations. His leadership in fund raising through the Poppy Appeal has been an inspiration to all of us. His drive and initiative have been key in raising public awareness of the sacrifices made by members of our armed forces and the continuing need to support veterans and their families who continue to suffer. Through his efforts Haywards Heath as a community has been one of the most generous supporters of the Appeal.”
ENDS