VENTNOR Cricket Club chairman John Hilsum has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's New Year's honours List.
The 71 year-old, who lives in the village of Wroxall with his wife, Margaret, will receive the award for his service to cricket and the community.
A hard hitting top order batsman in his playing days, John has been heavily involved in Isle of Wight cricket since moving there from Leicestershire in 1972.
He played for Ventnor for many years and was hugely instrumental in the setting up of the Isle of Wight cricket academy at Steephill, as well as being a founder and trustee of Newclose County Cricket Ground.
John worked in education for many years, as an advisor to schools on the island and then as an independent education consultant to developing countries.
He was on the board of governors at Ventnor's St Catherine's School, for children with speech, language and communication needs, for 20 years, including ten as chairman. John was also a president of Ventnor Rotary Club.
"I'm pleased the award is not just for cricket," he said. "It's very humbling to know that friends and colleagues were kind enough to spend time and expertise putting together a nomination, which I know involves a lot of work. I'm very grateful to them."
The 71 year-old, who lives in the village of Wroxall with his wife, Margaret, will receive the award for his service to cricket and the community.
A hard hitting top order batsman in his playing days, John has been heavily involved in Isle of Wight cricket since moving there from Leicestershire in 1972.
He played for Ventnor for many years and was hugely instrumental in the setting up of the Isle of Wight cricket academy at Steephill, as well as being a founder and trustee of Newclose County Cricket Ground.
John worked in education for many years, as an advisor to schools on the island and then as an independent education consultant to developing countries.
He was on the board of governors at Ventnor's St Catherine's School, for children with speech, language and communication needs, for 20 years, including ten as chairman. John was also a president of Ventnor Rotary Club.
"I'm pleased the award is not just for cricket," he said. "It's very humbling to know that friends and colleagues were kind enough to spend time and expertise putting together a nomination, which I know involves a lot of work. I'm very grateful to them."
