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 31