A WELLINGTON man has been awarded a BEM in the New Year Honours.

John Jasper, 71, who lives at Oakwell House, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, said earlier this week: “It is a major surprise – I honestly had no idea.

“I am enormously pleased and I’m having to get use to the idea,” added John, who describes himself as ‘a family man’.

“He receives his award for services to Cultural Heritage in Devon and Somerset.

“His citation reads: “He has made a considerable contribution to Devon’s industrial heritage. His knowledge, expertise and commitment has been invaluable to the development of Coldharbour Mill Working Wool Museum.

“His work as a volunteer since 1990 has left a remarkable legacy of heritage conservation and restoration for visitors to learn from and enjoy.

“He has been the driving force to return the Mill’s rare and original steam plant and associated engines from their rusty and immobile condition to full working order with a team of volunteers who continue to maintain and operate the complex for the public at regular steaming events throughout the year.

“He is currently overseeing the restoration of a 1930s Economiser, an early form of heat exchanger which has lain dormant for many years.

“His greatest achievement has been the rescue, installation and restoration of the 1867 Kittoe and Brotherhood Beam Engine House. Having discovered the abandoned and unwanted, but intact engine in Wiltshire, he realised its potential significance to the steam collection of the museum.

“As a volunteer steam curator, he has created policies, procedures and operating documents, taking responsibility for Health and Safety. His achievements are all the more remarkable given that most of his volunteer activity has happened while he was working a demanding full-time job as an engineer.

“He led a team to clear the waterways and rescue the pipes from the Gas Retort House from the millstreams; has provided technical information to the contractors who restored the Mill’s unique waterwheel and has continued to train and lead volunteers in the Steam Team to also assist with the maintenance and display of the Mill’s collection of textile machines, both working and non-working exhibits.

“He has also joined the Board of Trustees and stepped in as acting chairman for two years.

“Since retiring, he has also given his time and skills to the Wellington Arts Association using his initiative, expertise and leadership qualities to solve existing problems.”