Barrow man receives BEM for many years of service to community

The awards give national recognition to people who have made an extraordinary contribution and are committed to making a difference to those around them.

Dennis Laird was presented with his BEM by the Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria, Rob Cairns (Image: Carol Laird) Dennis Laird was presented with his BEM at the Fairfield Masonic Hall in Barrow on November 1 surrounded by friends and family.

The honour was presented by the Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria Rob Cairns in recognition of the many years of service Mr Laird has committed to the community.

He was a member of the local coastguard for over 30 years during which time he saved the life of a person in Cavendish Dock and received a Royal Humane Society award.

(Image: Carol Laird) The 75-year-old was a founding member and chairman of Barrow Credit Union and is currently a board member for Self Harm Awareness for All charity (SAFA) in Cumbria.

He is also a joint founder and chairman of the North Scale Residents’ Association which was established in 1993 to represent the interests and provide facilities for the residents of the Walney village.

Mr Laird acted as chairman of the governors at Walney School for 22 years and has now become a licensed taxi driver, working driving special needs youngsters to and from school.

Deputy Lieutenant Julie Barton, Dennis Laird and Deputy Lieutenant Rob Cairns (Image: Carol Laird) At the presentation ceremony, opening remarks were made by Glenn Hudson, who introduced Deputy Lieutenant Julie Barton.

Mrs Barton read the citation for the award and introduced Mr Cairns, who was representing Lord Lieutenant Alexander Scott.

Mr Cairns then invested Mr Laird with his award.

He said he felt honoured to have been chosen to present the medal.

Dennis Laird received his BEM on Friday evening (Image: Carol Laird) Mr Laird said he felt like an 'impostor and that it sounded like someone else who was being talked about during the presentation'

He thanked everyone for their attendance, saying how humbled he felt.

In thanks, flowers were presented to Mrs Barton and Mr Cairn's wife Lesley by Mr Laird's' granddaughter Mollie and her friend Oonagh.