This May, John Eltringham, Project Director at BSM, was cordially invited to Buckingham Palace in London to be awarded with a ‘Member of Her Majesties Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’ (MBE).

This award was for John’s voluntary service to young people, as the Chairman of Trustees for the Sea Cadet Unit ‘Training Ship Collingwood’ over the past 17 years – having previously been President.

His work saved the unit from closure having raised over GBP 140,000 to refurbish its run-down building and a further GBP 60,000 to refurbish the unit’s boating fleet through the provision of new boats and spare parts.

John has helped many cadets develop waterborne skills as well as grow in confidence and develop key personal competences. Through his own initiative he has raised funds to purchase a wheelie boat to allow mobility-impaired children enjoy waterborne activities; gifted use of his wheelie boat to adult paraplegic groups, BLESMA and Help for Heroes; organised a 40-boat sailing regatta in the Lake District to fund local causes, over the past 27 years.

BSM recognises John’s open-handedness and celebrates this astounding individual within the Organisation.