New Year's Honour for Julian Wilde

In the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for 2010 Julian Wilde was awarded an M. B. E. for his service to young people in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, mainly through his work for the Oakley Holidays. The M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) awards are presented each year by the Queen to a range of people from all over the country who have shown service and commitment, often over many years and usually unpaid, to charities, voluntary groups and local community projects.

Julian attended his first Oakley Holiday in 1960 whilst a student at Bristol Grammar School, meaning 2010 will mark his 50th year of attending Oakley, an anniversary only celebrated by two other Oakley attendees, current chair of the trustees, Peter Downes and founder, Sunny Henderson. Julian served the Holidays as a leader whilst studying at Oxford University and subsequently throughout his career as a teacher and headteacher. In his retirement Julian has continued to lead Oakley holidays and serves officially as the secretary to the trustees.

It is difficult to measure Julian's contribution to the organisation. Throughout his time at Oakley, Julian has been responsible for many improvements to the programme and has contributed to the development of many young leaders using his excellent gift for mentoring. Those attending the parties will recognise his exceptional organisational ability, used to great effect in the day to day running of the holidays. Julian has also introduced countless new boys and girls to the holidays from the schools he has taught at and continues to play a key role in inviting new people to the holidays.

Julian was nominated for a Queen’s Honour by the treasurer of the Oakley Trustees Lewis Kent, with several other members of the board of Trustees writing letters of support. Everyone was delighted with the announcement on December 31st 2009, in time for Julian's 50th anniversary.

Julian will be invested with his MBE at a special ceremony later in 2010. All Oakley members, past and present, send their congratulations to Julian on this very well-deserved recognition of his work.