A conversation with Prince Charles about volunteering was one of the highlights of MBE recipient Maurice Lee’s recent trip to Buckingham Palace.

The Kesh man, who is the current Fermanagh Scout President and International Commissioner received an MBE for services to scouting in County Fermanagh in the Queen’s Birthday Honours last summer.

Mr. Lee and his family made the trip to London on February 1, to receive the award from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales.
“It was wonderful,” said Mr. Lee, who enjoyed telling Prince Charles about how he holds recognition events for existing volunteers in a bid to encourage new volunteers to step forward.

The MBE is latest recognition for the scouting stalwart, from Kesh, who also received the Award of Bar to Silver Acorn, which is only awarded after 30 years of service. This was in recognition of further distinguished service to scouting, having previously been awarded Chief Scout’s Commendation in 1991, Medal of Merit in 2002 and Silver Acorn in 2007. 

The founder member of 1st Magheraculmoney Scout Group, Kesh in 1984, Mr. Lee has held a number of Fermanagh Scouting appointments, both at Group and County level.

At County level he has held appointments of Assistant County Commissioner for leader Training, Assistant County Commissioner for Cub Scouts, Fermanagh County Commissioner and is currently International Commissioner for Fermanagh and President of Fermanagh Scout Council. 

“I was very happy to have my family with me. It’s the first holiday we have all taken together since they were children,” said Mr. Lee, who has been heartened by the well-wishes he has received from the local community.

“This experience is something I never expected would happen to me. Whilst it’s a personal recognition, it is also a recognition for scouting in Fermanagh and hopefully it will encourage others to come forward, particularly young people who have been in the scouts who might come back as leaders and share their skills and knowledge with a new generation.”