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A Medal For Clarence
Clarence has been awarded the MBE in the Queen’s 2012 New Year’s Honours. The official short citation says that it is for services to music. He certainly has worked hard, not only to perfect his own skills but also to help others develop their music skills. But that is not the whole story; Clarence was informed that the Queen’s committee also took into account his community work and his demeanour as a ‘Role Model’.
The MBE Medal
Clarence is very active in the north east with disability issues; he was key consultant on the accessibility to disabled people in the design for The Sage Gateshead.
But for those of us who know Clarence respect him greatly for the inspiration he is. His whole outlook and demeanour since his tragic accident have been nothing but positive and inspirational. He is a beacon of hope for those who suffer illness and injury. His attitude has had such impact on friends and strangers alike that people have rallied round. A new instrument, ‘Headspace’ has been designed especially for him because of his drive to perform. Friends have formed the Headspace Ensemble so he can perform; he is a founder member of the Paraorchestra. His drive to continue with life despite being paralysed from the neck down is—and I will use the word again—inspirational. The term ‘Role Model’ is small way of presenting what Clarence is to so many people.
As is the way with such things, the whole process is shrouded in secrecy. So those who knew that a proposal had been put forward could not say anything about it. Clarence received a letter about month before the end of the year saying he had been proposed for an honour, but had to keep quiet about that. He said:
Was it a hoax?
‘When I got the letter I didn’t believe it. I thought it could be a hoax or a scam or something. I read the letter; it didn’t ask for money or any personal details. So I read the letter again. In all I read it three times before I thought that it could be genuine. I had to respond to the Cabinet Office and subsequently they phoned me but reminded me to keep it quiet until New Year’s Eve.
‘It was definitely difficult to keep it quiet, but I put it to the back of my mind and told myself it’s best to forget about it just in case it isn’t genuine. Then the day before New Year’s Eve the press were told and before I knew it the BBC and the local press were on my doorstep. That’s when it really sank in.’
Now that the reality of the situation has started to gel, Clarence says:
‘I didn’t expect anything like this at all. I feel extremely humbled by the award. It’s such an honour and gives me something to live up to. I expect it will have an impact on my life as I realise now that I am being regarded as a role model. God is blessing me continuously. When I was in hospital after the accident, God made it clear that my life would be more fulfilled. He has been true; every year my life has become more and more fulfilled.’
The proposer for the medal is Clarence’s former marketing and events co-ordinator, Denise Murray. At the time she was working in the Government Office for the North East and proposals for honours were handled by colleagues working in her department. Denise filled in the official paperwork and encouraged friends and others to write supporting letters. Sir Cliff Richard was approached; his office replied saying he was out of the country and would not be able to meet the deadline for submitting a letter; otherwise he would have been happy to do so. Among those who were able to support were Dr. Nick Childs, Musical Director of the Black Dyke Band and Frank Renton of the BBC.
Denise said:
‘I am ecstatic now that Clarence has got this honour; he so well deserves it. It makes a lovely finish to my time of volunteering with him.’
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire dates from 1917, having been instituted by King George V. Membership is accorded to people who are outstanding.
That certainly describes Clarence.
BN