Left to right: new MBEs music teacher Christine Anthony, racing driver Andy Priaulx and swimming instructor Alison Frankland. (Montage by John O’Neill, 0593547)

ISLANDERS reacted with joy to news that three of our own have been awarded an MBE.

But that joy was edged with concern in political circles. Three years after his installation as Guernsey’s first citizen, Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland is still waiting for the knighthood that has generally accompanied the position.

And it seems likely that retiring senior politicians Mike Torode and Dan Le Cheminant were put forward for an honour but were rejected. Chief Minister Lyndon Trott was sure that ‘Sir Geoffrey’s’ time would come.

‘I am delighted that the hard work and achievements of three Guernsey residents have been rewarded by Her Majesty in her Birthday Honours List,’ he said. ‘I am sure that it is only a matter of time before the superb job that our Bailiff does on behalf of the Bailiwick of Guernsey is also recognised.’

Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon was among those praising music teacher Christine Anthony, racing driver Andy Priaulx and swimming instructor Alison Frankland, who were recognised in the list.