The medal is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown, and celebrates Mervyn’s long record as a volunteer for prestigious events and activities in Northern Ireland.

Mervyn has been a member of the Club for the past 41 years, and has worked tirelessly as a volunteer during that time, including as a Club National Councillor, and Northern Ireland Region Chairman from 2008 to 2017.

Outside of his Club activities, Mervyn has given his time freely to support Volunteer Now, which is the lead organisation for promoting and supporting volunteering across Northern Ireland. As a result, he’s been involved with the World Police and Fire Games, the Giro D’Italia, at golf’s Open Championship, the Good Food Exhibition and the Balmoral Show. He’s also a Standard Bearer for the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Foundation.

Mervyn said of his award: “I’m proud to be able to play a part in raising the public profile of Northern Ireland – whether that’s through the Club and its campsites and activities here, or through volunteering at high profile public events and spectacles. So it’s truly an honour to receive the British Empire Medal. But more than that, my wife Sandra and I are delighted to have made so many friends across the UK through our involvement with the Club over the years.”