Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2009/January 2010 | Page 31
INTERVIEW
life
Martin White pictured with Ced Wells of AJ Wells 2009
Moreover, if the honoured person can’t
go to the Palace for their award, the Lord
months.”
To say his life is full hardly hints at
many friends we made along the way.”
He pauses as he contemplates his
Lieutenant will bestow it here on the
the reality. He has four children, three
life, then and now. “I’m doing another
Island. Last year John Smith of Newchurch
daughters-in-law and one son-in-law, and
important challenging thing, and it’s
was honoured for his amazing work in the
eleven grandchildren, whom he and his
in support of the community where I
community. Martin recalls: “He said ‘my
wife Fiona try to see as much as possible.
was born and grew up. I’m extremely
community are the people who should be
Fiona is Chairman of SSAFA Forces Help -
fortunate.”
with me when I get it’, so we did it there
the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families
in Newchurch, which was wonderful.”
Association on the Island who look after
Similarly, he champions the Queen’s
ex members of the Forces and their
Award for Business Enterprise, as well
families who are in
as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary
need.
Service, the latter very much regarded
Martin
as an MBE for groups (again details of
White remains
both on the Honours website). This year
irrepressibly
saw recognition for Green Gym, and for
enthusiastic
Ryde Inshore Rescue, both presented
about the job in
by The Prince of Wales in July. “ I’m on
hand. No military
the national committee on behalf of
posting has been
Lieutenancy
a disappointment,
Association and there were
200 nominations across the country.
each one
These two were as good as any voluntary
enjoyable, and yet
group in the country – I was really pleased
he is now able to
and very proud.” Business excellence on
say he doesn’t miss
the Island was also recognised this year by
that life a bit.
awards to A J Wells and Sons, RF Engines
“Somebody
and PhysE.
pays you to go
In short, the Lord Lieutenant supports
round the world
the whole community life of the Island
all your working
from business life through uniformed
life serving
groups and Reserve Forces to youth, the
your country!
voluntary sector and charities. “I have
Marvellous! But
no direct responsibility, no authority,
you move on and
but what one can do is guide, support,
life changes. I
encourage and just occasionally influence!
don’t miss the
And you make it your own, just like
army. Not for one
commanding a regiment or squadron. The
second do I miss it,
role will be a reflection of you within six
but I do miss the
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