Retired Heads Lead Gongs List

The former heads of QEII and Ballakermeen high schools have been awarded MBEs in the New Year Honours List.

Sue Moore and Adrienne Burnett both retired in the recent weeks.

Mrs Moore, who spent a whopping 24 years as head at QEII, led her school through good and challenging times, particularly during the pandemic when she and her staff worked to keep their students engaged as much as possible.

She has been made an MBE for her exceptional services to and leadership in education on the island.

Mrs Burnett, who was head at Ballakermeen for a mere 21 years, drove reform through the school, including the development of the school’s sixth form centre and the design an build of the Studio Theatre, which has helped develop and support both the school’s and the island’s cultural scene.

She has been made an MBE for outstanding services to education, arts and culture.

BEM

Andrew Scarffe has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his outstanding services to the Preservation of Laxey and Lonan Heritage and the island’s railways.

As technical support officer for the DoI his enthusiasm and dedication has enabled his team to restore a number of historic trams and trailers for the island’s heritage fleet.

A successful author of history, he was heavily involved in the successful fundraising campaign for the restoration of the Great Laxey Mine railway, something he is still involved with as an active volunteer and treasurer.

MVO

Carey Chung, who will be known to any visitor to Government House, has been made a member of the Royal Victorian Order for her exceptional service to the last five Lieutenant Governors.

Having served at Gov House for 18 years, she has been responsible for overseeing the house staff and running all the events at the house, including receptions and investitures.

During her time, she has also been involved in at least 12 royal visits, including the most recent, Princess Anne in 2021.

A well known member of our island community, Miss Chung has devoted years to ensuring that the needs of successive governors and their families have been met that the standards of the house is maintained.

On a personal note, she also has ensured unkempt journalists smarten themselves up for events and that we get nice cups of tea.

Governor’s Commendation

Tony Howell, better known as Flash, has been awarded the Governor’s Commendation for his long and dedicated service to music on the island.

Flash has been a key figure on the island’s music scene for over 60 years and has played in numerous groups including The Cheetahs, Black Mass, Whiskey Mac and the Hunters.

A self-taught guitarist, Tony started playing in the Globe Public House in Strand Street, Douglas in 1963. Over the years, he has been in support acts at the Villa Marina and the Palace Lido, supporting musicians such as Manfred Man, Rolling Stones and Duane Eddy, whilst working full-time in Howell and Robinson, the family firm of sign-writers.