Guernseyman Receives OBE For 30+ Years Of Voluntary Work

One of the founders of the Guernsey Community Foundation has been awarded an order of the British Empire award.

David Warr began volunteering in 1992 as Secretary of the Association of Guernsey Charities.

Very pleased to present the #OBE on behalf of HM The King to Mr David Warr, for services to the Community in #Guernsey. Congratulations on all your achievements for Islanders over 30+ years and thank you on their behalf! @BathingPools @GuernseyCharity @GuernseySports @GuernseyCF pic.twitter.com/LGyFaHXAL9

— Gov House Guernsey (@GvHouseGuernsey) March 9, 2024

Since then, he has helped establish the Guernsey's Sports Commission, Community Foundation, the Ray Lowe Foundation which provides financial support to young athletes, and the Vive La Valette, which developed the Bathing Pools.

Mr Warr says being named in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List was a pleasant surprise:

"I'm aware that people get honours for various achievements, including work in the voluntary sector, but it's not something that I've had as a goal.

I've just enjoyed doing the work and find it very rewarding.

Being recognised for that is really just an added bonus, that I'm very proud of.

I see it as an honour for the wider voluntary sector, not just an individual, and I think it's really important to keep shining a spotlight on the fantastic work that so many people do."

Guernsey’s Lieutenant-Governor presented the medal to Mr Warr in a formal ceremony at Government House yesterday afternoon (9 March).

It was a family occasion with David's mother, cousin from Australia, three children and four grandchildren all attending.

His Excellency, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, says Mr Warr is a worthy recipient:

"Mr Warr is someone who has the vision and the determination to do the sorts of things that make this a better place for the people who live here.

For over 30 years he has done so much for our community, and it has given me much pleasure to present him with the OBE today, on behalf of His Majesty The King."