Former Hereford Mayor Phil Edwards Awarded BEM in New Year Honours.

[Hereford Voice]

A former Herefordshire Councillor who has devoted years to maintaining a lush city green space has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

Philip Edwards has lived in Herefordshire all his life, and spent 27 years serving as either a parish, city, or county councillor.

When living in Belmont, he saw the South Hereford residential area develop over the years, which drove him on to become a "community champion", seeking safe open spaces for people to enjoy, areas for family play, or those seeking country walks just moments away from the city.

As a result of this, he set up Belmont Haywood Country Park and its Country Park Supporters group, which is now in its 12th year.

Mr Edwards said the task continues to be "challenging, physically tiring but mentally and aesthetically rewarding."

He has now been awarded a BEM as part of the New Year's Honours list, with the award often bestowed upon those who have demonstrated "hands-on" service in their community.

"This British Empire Medal is an honour which I gratefully accept after many years of seeking and maintaining safe public open spaces, in particular, within South Wye areas of Hereford city," he said.

The announcement from the Cabinet office said BHCP is one of Mr Edward's victories, but the award is also for his work as a councillor campaigning for everyone's rights to access public open spaces for their health, wellbeing and "community cohesive properties".

Hereford Voice - Congratulations Phil, well deserved

 

[megilleland]

Well done Phil. A man who doesn't let the grass grow under his feet. Keep on mowing