Queen honours ex-YMCA Norfolk chief with MBE

2009: Former YMCA Norfolk chief executive, John Drake, has received an MBE for services to young people in Norwich and Norfolk in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list, announced on December 31.

 

The honour follows his retirement earlier this summer after 30 years service with the Christian charity. He also served as Sheriff of Norwich in 2006

 

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 who 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."

 

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.