Fri, 27 Dec 2019
Two Island residents have been recognised in the Queen's Honours List.
People are nominated by members of the public, government departments or the Royal Family.
The list is a chance for recognition of those who have made outstanding contributions in their field throughout the year.
Mr Hector Duff OBE
Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his support to education in 2013 and now 100 years old, Hector Duff is still hugely active in talking to school children of the Isle of Man about war and peace to ensure that those who have fought in war are not forgotten. He speaks on the recurring themes of hope and optimism. Pivotal to the Island’s commemorations of the centenary of the end of World War I, in 2018 Hector Duff presented ‘Tommy Soldier’ silhouettes and took centre stage at the ‘Schools Remember’ events organised in Onchan and elsewhere. In June 2019, as one of the few surviving D-Day Veterans, Hector Duff led the Isle of Man’s commemorations of 75 years since the Normandy Campaign. Hector has been unstoppable in his commitment to children, veterans, and the wider population. For outstanding services to the community of the Isle of Man, Mr Hector Duff MM BEM TH has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in HM The Queen’s New Year Honours List, 2020.
Mr Dick Welsh MBE
As Director of the Isle of Man Ship Registry, Dick Welsh was the driving force behind its successful reputation, creating a devoted local team and dedicated agents overseas. The Island’s Ship Register is recognised globally for exceptionally high standards and quality of service. He has been an excellent ambassador for the Isle of Man, in roles ranging from conference speaker to inspector of ships under construction at foreign shipyards. His personal interest and dedication to the highest safety standards inspired confidence in his team and clients around the world. A former seaman himself, Dick Welsh has been in the vanguard of the Isle of Man’s maritime community for over 25 years. For outstanding services to the maritime community of the Isle of Man and worldwide, Mr Dick Welsh becomes a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in HM The Queen’s New Year Honours List, 2020.