A BEM for services to his Kilve community has been presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, to Christopher Rutt, known to locals as ‘Robbie’.
The presentation was made during a during a ceremony in the Bishop’s Palace, in Wells, when the Lord Lieutenant thanked Mr Rutt for his ‘enduring commitment to Somerset wellbeing, while scripting a story of progress, compassion and shared success’.
The honour, awarded by King Charles in his first Birthday Honours List, went to Mr Rutt for his role in improving village life in Kilve across more than 40 years.
Mr Rutt, aged 85, had been landlord of the Hood Arms public house and was recognised as somebpdy who would offer help to those in trouble.
Since his retirement he has worked in a number of voluntary roles in various village institutions.
He served as editor of Kilve News, including arranging printing and distribution, and distributed a welcome pack to new village residents.
Mr Rutt also served as a parish councillor and treasurer of the parochial church council, taking an active part in restoring and maintaining St Mary’s Church.
In both those roles he was at the forefront of organising village events, particularly fund-raising activities.
Mr Saddiq praised Mr Rutt as somebody who had worked tirelessly for decades to benefit his small village community in both formal and informal capacities.