17 Jun Former Deputy Lieutenant George Courtauld to receive OBE
A MEMBER of one of Halstead’s most famous families has been awarded an OBE as part of the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours List.
George Courtauld was honoured for services to the community.
Mr Courtauld, 78, of Knights Farms, Colne Engaine, has worked with a string of charities including the Essex Women’s Advisory Group as well as working as an independent councillor and High Sheriff.
He said: “I didn’t think I deserved anything so I am surprised. I am very pleased and flattered. It is a huge honour and I couldn’t be prouder.
“My wife has congratulated me and it is very nice for one’s wife to think one has done something worthy.
“My father told me everyone should spend at least 20 per cent of their time on other people so that is what I have tried to do. I have tried to pass that on to my children but I am not sure if that has happened yet.
“I have my fingers in a lot of local things and I want to stay involved and active because at my age if you stop moving you fall over like a bicycle.”
Mr Courtauld has served as Deputy Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Essex.
In the past he has chaired a number of charities including the Haven Gateway Partnership, the Essex board of the Prince’s Trust, Essex Environment Trust and the Essex Rural Community Council, as well as still being chairman of the Essex Woman’s Advisory Board.
He is the president of the League of Friends of Halstead Hospital and the Halstead Allotment Holders and Leisure Gardeners Association and has previously been president of the the Friends of Essex Churches and Chelmsford and Mid Essex Samaritans among others.
Mr Courtauld dedicates as much of his time as possible to the community, but always has time for his two sons, two daughters, two foster children and 11 grandchildren.
Mr Courtauld’s wife, Dominie, said: “I am terribly proud of him. He works so hard and does so much for the community.
“He is hugely proud of being a part Essex and his family being from Essex and part of Essex for so long.”
Read the full article in Halstead Gazette – www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/14561806.Community_and_charity_stalwart_to_receive_OBE/
