Hopper Champion Honoured

Former Town Mayor and Uppingham First Vice Chair David Ainslie BEM is pictured with his wife Sheena in The Falcon Hotel, Uppingham, following the formal award of his British Empire Medal first announced in the New Year’s Honours’ list. The ceremony was delayed due to the Covid19 lockdown.

Presenting the award on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen in the presence of Rutland High Sheriff Richard Cole, Dr Sarah Furness, Lord Lieutenant of Rutland described David’s extensive commitment to the Uppingham community and his sterling work to establish a permanent Hopper bus service in the town.

Responding to the awarding address made by Dr Furness, David praised the work of the many volunteers that had made the Hopper such a success and encouraged his grandchildren to think about community service when they grew up.

The ceremony was followed by afternoon tea with family and friends.