Two stalwarts of junior football have been presented their British Empire Medal (BEM).
David and Hazel Burgess were named in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their decades of volunteering with the Peterborough Junior Alliance Football League.
Hazel has been its secretary for 30 years and the pair are often carrying out jobs for local football clubs, especially near to their Holbeach Drove home.
They were presented their medals by Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Sir Toby Dennis, King Charles III’s representative in Lincolnshire, at a special ceremony at Gedney Hill Golf Club on Monday.
“We had a lovely afternoon,” said Hazel. “It was absolutely spot on.
“It’s very humbling to receive the medal. It’s a great honour and a privilege.”
There were 33 guests including the couple’s son and daughter Joanne and Martin, who nominated the pair for the award, alongside Holbeach Drove resident David Barfoot.
Both Hazel and her husband are now preparing for a visit to Buckingham Palace on May 28.
“It was a great day for us,” said David.
“Our family was there as was many from our football family.”
David and Hazel Burgess with Lord-Lieutenant Toby Dennis. Photo courtesy of Robert Windle RWT Photography.
