It is with enormous pride that I can announce that I have been included in the NEW YEARS HONOURS LIST 2025 and have accepted an invitation to receive a BEM (British Empire Medal). As co-founder of The Avon Roach Project, and services to angling.
For anyone interested (copied from the interweb) – ‘The British Empire Medal (BEM; formerly British Empire Medal for Meritorious Service) is a British and Commonwealth award for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. The current honour was created in 1922 to replace the original medal, which had been established in 1917 as part of the Order of the British Empire. Recipients of the BEM are entitled to use the post-nominal letters ‘BEM’ after their names.’
I was notified, in the strictest confidence (and encouraged to exercise a practice of modest secrecy ahead of the announcement), back in November 2024, but now the list has been officially published where I’m listed under ‘Medallists of the Order of the British Empire’, I can shout my face off about it and have a little blow on my own trumpet.
To be one of very few chosen over time connected to angling and environmental stewardship makes it extra special. And although The Avon Roach Project itself is multi-award-winning and arguably a part of angling history, this ultimate personal recognition is the icing on the most extraordinary cake.
Just imagine how hard my jaw hit the floor as I saw the first lines of the letter that read… ‘I am writing in the strictest confidence to inform you that you are to be recommended to His Majesty The King for the honour of British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Years Honours List 2025.’
The initial enquiry was made as to whether Budgie and I were both available to receive the honour. However, sadly, New Years Honours are not given posthumously, so I shall be accepting it on behalf of both Budgie and myself.
Bittersweet, yes; but although Budgie’s absence will blunt the edge, it will not dull the shine of this once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment, knowing that he’d have received it as well.
I will post pictures, if I can, of the presentation and, of course, the customary shot of me holding the medal outside Buckingham Palace after the Royal Garden Party I shall be attending, which is all part of the honour. So, I apologise in advance for the self-indulgence… I just wish I was sharing it all with Budg’… And, honestly, if I could have one wish granted…
The smile on Budgie’s face, I know, would be the proudest, widest and brightest, and probably visible from space – as is the one on mine.
Also, although a man of few words, and long passed, I can hear my ole Dad in my head saying - ‘Ordinarily I’d tell you - ‘don’t show off now, boy’… but in this case, fill your boots son: and I might even have a blow on that trumpet myself when you’re done’…
Some things have your life flashing before you; and this did just that, as every second of The Avon Roach Project thumped me in the face and filled my head at the same time - From the beginning and the overwhelming feelings of helplessness, the elbows on knees and wondering what, if anything, we could do; to the early concept of roach in a bath tub and on to the seemingly predestined, unimaginable level of success, as well as inspiring and advising similar activities on other rivers up and down the land; plus, of course, all the mud and mozzies in between – and now this, the ultimate personal recognition… What a journey, and what an honour for us ordinary boys.
Well, over and out for now. I’d best sort my posh jeans out and take a damp cloth to some of that mud on my Reeboks for my trip to Buckingham Palace…
Happy New Year and thank you all for the ongoing wonderful support.
Trevor Harrop BEM
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| Who could have imagined?... Not us two, that's for sure. However, now looking back, we did OK for a pair of ordinary boys with a bit of drive and inventiveness: and an overdose of determination. Now, Buckingham Palace here we come... |
