By Keith Morris

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2009: Two different members of the same Norwich church have both been awarded MBEs in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list, announced today (December 31).

 

Former YMCA Norfolk chief executive, John Drake, is to receive an MBE for services to young people in Norwich and Norfolk, following his retirement earlier this summer after 30 years service with the Christian charity. He also served as Sheriff of Norwich in 2006

 

Fellow member of Holy Trinity church in Norwich, Waltraud Jarrold, also receives an MBE for services to the community of Norwich.

 

A delighted John said: “I am surprised to put it mildly. But this is not about me but about the incredible staff team, trustees and volunteers that have made YMCA Norfolk what it is today.

 

“I feel humbled and a bit of a fraud really, because I had the best job in the world and I got paid for doing it. It was a privilege to lead YMCA Norfolk.

 

“One of the satisfactions is that not only has the work of the YMCA been recognised but it also shows that Christian service is still valued by government.”

Current YMCA Norfolk chief executive, Tim Sweeting, said: "We at YMCA Norfolk are so pleased to see that John's amazing contribution has been recognised in this way, it is thoroughly deserved."

 

Waltraud Jarrold is well known as the chair of the Norwich Feed the Minds committee, which organises an annual book fair in the city to raise money for the Christian development charity.

 

Waltraud is also President of Norfolk and Norwich Koblenz Friendship Association and is involved with the Norfolk and Norwich local help group of The National Meningitis Trust.

MBEs are awarded to individuals for achievement or service in and to the community of a responsible kind which is outstanding in its field, or for very local 'hands-on' service which stands out as an example to others.

Pictured above is John Drake.