I would like to thank all the people, ex-colleagues, friends and many of the general public who have taken the trouble to contact me and to congratulate me on my receiving the MBE.

Also of course those who nominated me in the first place, who I intend tracking down to thank personally.

This was, as I have said, the culmination of a long life! (pun not intended).

It was my joy over 39 years to serve, help, represent, and advise the public and the parish councils, and they in return looked upon me as their advocate in council.

Also I should mention the essential support of my wife over those years who, of course, suffered the many late meetings and nights during my career. Of course there are many in our society who do not appear in the honours list who I feel are just as worthy especially those who spend a lifetime looking after and caring for others.

I thought of them all when I received the notification of my honour, so I was very happy and felt better when my messages of congratulation all said that “I deserved such an honour”.

The vast response I have received is due to the Maldon and Burnham Standard for the excellent reporting and coverage of my award which, they may be pleased to know, is even now being read in the valleys and mountains of South Wales by my cousins. Thank you everyone.

Robert J.S. Long MBE Former Maldon District Council Chairman