Richard Roberts BEM
Richard, proudly wearing his British Empire Medal, with the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux (Richard Roberts)

Richard Roberts
Richard, watched by his family, receives his British Empire Medal from the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey (Richard Roberts)

Richard Roberts, managing director of Trident Honda in Ottershaw, has received his British Empire Medal (BEM) awarded in The King's Birthday Honours List for Services to Charitable Causes.

“I had the enormous privilege of receiving my British Empire Medal at Loseley Park from the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux,” Richard said.

“I had been unable to attend the main investiture for Surrey’s BEM recipients, so Michael kindly arranged a private ceremony for me at his family home. He was joined by his wife Sarah, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Robert Fraser MVO DL and members of his team, including an Army cadet.

“The amount of time, thought and personal attention they gave to making the investiture so special was quite overwhelming. My wife Rosie and our two daughters Claudia and Tamsin were able to join me, and all four of us were made to feel incredibly welcome.

“It turned what was already a very proud occasion into something that I know our family will remember for the rest of our lives. I am enormously grateful to Michael, Sarah and everyone involved.

“Receiving the BEM for Services to Charitable Causes has also made me reflect on how it all started. I first became involved in local fundraising more than 45 years ago and have been fortunate since then to work with some wonderful charities and community organisations.

“Woking & Sam Beare Hospice has been particularly close to my heart, but over the years I have also been involved with the Woking Bikeathon, Swimathon, Midnight Walk, Dragon Boat Race, Downslink Challenge and many other local causes.

“Trident, our family business established in 1963, has always been part of that story. So many colleagues have volunteered their own time and thrown themselves into the events we have supported, while my family and friends have been alongside me throughout.

“That is why I find it difficult to regard the BEM as an individual achievement. The medal may have been presented to me, but the things it recognises were achieved by a great many people working together.

“I am immensely proud and humbled to receive it – and particularly grateful that such care was taken to make today’s investiture such a memorable occasion for my family and me.”