Tom Harland MBE

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The Eversdens were doubly delighted on New Year's Day, 2007, to read of two of our number in the Honour's List. Tom, pictured here with his wife, Christine, was one of those honoured.

Tom Harland is an Eversden man through and through. He and his wife Christine have made their lives in The Eversdens since 1966 just a couple of years after they married. They have both always been deeply involved in village life. Their two sons, Karl and Mark, grew up in the village and attended local schools.

Tom and Christine helped launch the football club in the village in the 70s. Injury finally stopped Tom playing. He has gone on to involve himself with many committees and causes over the years. Christine makes her own contribution to village life - meals on wheels way back , church flowers for 25 years - and has also served on various committees.

 Tom and Christine Harland at Buckingham Palace

4th May was the day of the ceremony. Limited to just three guests, Tom took Christine, Karl and Mark. (Philippa and Sonia had to miss out!)

Tom receives the MBE from Prince Charles

 

What a day it was for Tom and his family! It was, says Tom, ".... a truly wonderful experience. It reflected everything we think is so important and fundamental to us as proud English folk. The glistening ceremonial uniforms of the Lifeguards, the Coldstream guards, the Yeoman of the Guard and the Buckingham Palace staff were incredibly impressive and to have experienced the inner sanctums and grandeur of Buckingham Palace in the same way as visiting heads of state was for us a great honour and privilege to be stored in the memory for ever."

(Click to read about Dr Euan Dunn MBE)
Tom and Christine love The Eversdens. They feel surrounded by good neighbours and friends. They are true champions of the village way of life. Spare time now is spent with good friends, Val and Pete Weston, who share their interest in Country and Western music. This passion takes them all over Europe where they meet other enthusiasts putting their interest to work to raise money for good causes.
So what does Tom do?      
Tom Harland is Director of Strategic Development - Asia Pacific, BSI Management Systems. BSI Management Systems is a global provider of management systems assessment, certification and training services, with more than 60,000 certified locations and clients in over 100 countries. (Click for more on BSI). Tom's job is to represent the BSI Group in the Far East. Click to read Chief Executive Stevan Breeze's announcement to BSI Staff of Tom's award.

I asked Tom what exactly he does. If you want more detail, you must ask him yourself! However, he did say by way of explanation for his absence that "I am out in central London tomorrow and Thursday – King of Thailand and China Foreign Minister tomorrow and the President of the Philippines on Thursday but hopefully back working from home in Eversden on Friday." So now you know!
 

So it's warm if belated CONGRATULATIONS to you, Tom, and best wishes to you and your family. (Ed.)