MBE award for environment and heritage champion David

David received the honour for service to the environment and heritage.

From Sandelford Court in the town, David recently spearheaded residents’ concern over planning issues relating to the proposed new Tesco store.

David told the Times last week: “I am delighted to receive this award, for voluntary service to the environment and heritage in Northern Ireland.

“My service was mostly through The North Coast Members’ Association of the National Trust; my wife Dawn and I had been members of The National Trust for many years, but on retiring to this area we joined the local association and have greatly enjoyed our membership: one way I helped was to organise, over 15 years and aided by two excellent committee colleagues, the annual Away Holiday – always two coaches filled to tour various parts of Ireland and Great Britain, very successful events due I feel to enthusiastic support of members and good camaraderie among those who travel, who have enjoyed some marvellous insights into our heritage, which The National Trust is dedicated to protect.

“My membership of the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and The Irish Georgian Society have proved useful in seeking venues.

David added: “On the environment I have strenuously sought, for example, for four years to ensure that Tesco’s new development in Coleraine is environmentally and neighbour-friendly – the jury is still out on my success in this regard.”