DofE Award volunteer awarded BEM in Queen’s Birthday Honours list

MELKSHAM local, Peter Lamont, has been awarded a BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his services to young people. 

Peter, who works as a civil servant, has volunteered for the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award Scheme as a volunteer expedition assessor for over 15 years. He has been credited with being “personally responsible” for the development of thousands of children across Wiltshire, with many having learning and personality difficulties. 

“I’m very honoured, but very surprised,” said Peter about his award speaking to Melksham News. “I had no idea at all about the nomination. It’s still sinking in. It’s been a rollercoaster of a weekend following the announcement, with lots of nice comments from family, friends and work. The family are amazed – I’m the first in the family to get any sort of honours. And with family overseas in Australia as well, it’s been really positive for all of us.”

Peter’s nomination for the Honours list also acknowledges his time volunteering during the Covid-19 pandemic, giving his time as a NHS volunteer to help older people in the south of Melksham area with their shopping. 

He will receive his medal later in the year at a ceremony hosted by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire. Peter will also be invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace next year. 

Explaining the reasons behind Peter’s recognition on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, a spokesperson from the Cabinet Office said, “For over 15 years he has devoted the vast majority of his spare time to the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award Scheme as a volunteer expedition assessor for numerous institutions.  

“He has been personally responsible for the development of literally thousands of children, many of who have learning and personality difficulties. This has required him to provide a unique one-to-one mentorship. These children have grown and developed in confidence and key life skills have significantly improved as a direct result to his dedication and hard work.  

“He has been involved in all levels of the DofE scheme from teaching navigation, camp craft and personal administration, to planning and delivering expeditions and assessments. These events are undertaken all over the country, in all weathers and for some of the participants this can be a real struggle. He always ensures that the children in his care remain safe, but he enthuses them quite literally to ‘go that extra mile’ and in so doing, helps them to achieve above and beyond their own personal expectations.” 

Picture: Peter Lamont.