THE RICH variety of the Farnham community came to the fore this week as townsfolk were celebrated in the New Year’s Honours List for their services to the community, architecture, charity, fire safety and the arts.

Acclaimed architect and activist for the preservation and restoration of England’s cultural heritage, Michael Blower, was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Farnham.

“I was a bit surprised, but I’m absolutely delighted,” the former Mayor of Waverley and Farnham councillor told the Herald.

Among his proudest achievements, Mr Blower cited his 31-year stint in charge of Stedman Blower Architects – which will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2020 and is now run by his son Damian – as well as his involvement with the Farnham Society and Farnham Building Preservation Trust.

In his time with the trust, he oversaw the purchase and restoration of the Farnham Pottery and Tanyard House, the latter as part of the purchase for the town of the Farnham Maltings for which he received a Civic Amenity award.

Mr Blower was also heavily involved in the 2018 restoration of Yew Tree Cottage, Wrecclesham, partially dating back to 1561, and in his earlier career was site architect in his birth-town Brussels, for the construction of the British Pavillions at the 1958 World Fair.

He added: “I’m very, very proud to be involved with the Farnham Society and the Farnham Trust. They deserve a lot of credit for what they have done to keep the Farnham spirit going.”

Although now 90, Mr Blower is far from finished, adding “not a day passes when I’m not doing drawings or sketches.”

Another Farnham hero, Sue Barnley, received the British Empire Medal (BEM) after she was inspired by her son Harry’s illness to create a network of people locally and nationally under her Help4Harry charity, raising awareness and funds for Muscular Dystrophy.

Help4Harry has to-date raised £250,000 for research, and was also instrumental in the campaign for NHS England to approve the use of Translarna, a drug which could prolong the time that those with the condition could walk.

Sue told the Herald she was “so shocked and delighted” to receive her award, adding: “It’s thanks to my biggest fan, my mum who put the nomination in.”

She continued: “We’ll be off to Buckingham Palace for a party in the summer! As always its thanks to all the Help4Harry community who keep on supporting us.”

Colin Todd was awarded an MBE for his pioneering work on improving the standard of domestic fire alarms since the 1970s.

He said: “I am delighted to receive this honour in recognition of my contribution to fire safety in the UK, which would not have been achieved without the constant support of my children and colleagues for the work I have done.”

Other local recipients include trustee of The Source youth charity in Aldershot Dr Jocelyn Johnston (BEM) for services to Aldershot and Elstead, and UCA vice chancellor Magdalene Odundo OBE who has been made a Dame.