Rutland volunteer David Ainslie is awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen's New Year Honours list for services to Uppingham
A man who serves his community as a volunteer bus driver and town councillor has been named in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.
David Ainslie has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the community in Uppingham.
The 63-year-old fell in love with the town when he moved there for work in 1989 and has worked tirelessly for the community since he retired 11 years ago.
He said: “It’s such a privilege to live in a place like this and I want to see Uppingham thrive. That’s the reason behind all my voluntary work.
“I’ve known about the British Empire Medal since the middle of November and it has been really hard going around feeling like you’re going to burst.
“Only my wife knew. We’ve never had secrets and she was there when I opened the post. The envelope was beautiful though so I’m sure the postman was aware too!”
David grew up in London and spent his career in the banking industry.
After retirement he wanted to help a family member set up a new business in Uppingham but was told the town council couldn’t offer any support.
With the 2011 elections looming, he decided to stand as a town councillor and has continued to serve since then, including two years as mayor from 2014 to 2016.
David spent a long time campaigning for Uppingham to have its own hopper bus service.
His efforts included raising funds, securing volunteer drivers and arranging for the local surgery to donate their fee for the medical required for drivers to assist with the set up.
He is now a volunteer driver, fundraiser and manages its 13 other drivers alongside Ron Simpson, who also has a British Empire Medal.
David said: “For us both to have BEMs sends such a strong message about how good an asset the hopper is to the community.”
David is also vice chairman of Uppingham First and a director of Uppingham Homes Community Land Trust.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be on the honours list.
“It’s such a lovely thing to get official recognition. I have my suspicions about who put my name forward, but whoever it was I am incredibly grateful.”
As a family man David spends his spare time with his wife Sheena, 64, and their sons Trevor, 39, and Kevin, 37.
He also has six grandchildren.
