Award well deserved (From Witney Gazette)

Award well deserved

3:02pm Monday 11th December 2006 in Witney By Rosalind Miles

ONE of West Oxfordshire's best-known civic leaders, Joe Walcott, became a Member of the British Empire at an investiture at Buckingham Palace last week.

Mr Walcott, 80, a former mayor of Carterton, was named in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List.

He was invested with his MBE for services to West Oxfordshire and the local community by the Prince of Wales.

After serving as Carterton's mayor, as well as vice-chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council between 2000 and 2002, Mr Walcott became chairman of the district authority until 2006.

Mr Walcott was in the Royal Air Force for more than 34 years, before finishing his service at RAF Brize Norton.

He is grandfather to Theo Walcott, a rising soccer star, who plays for Arsenal, and was a substitute in the England team during the last World Cup.

He was accompanied at the palace by his wife, Loretta, his daughter, Mrs Jennifer Grove, and Theo's father, Donald Walcott.

It was the second visit to Buckingham Palace for Mr Walcott, who was invited to attend a garden party there in 1995.

Of his investiture, he said: "It was a marvellous day, and went beautifully. It was an uplifting experience."

Barry Norton, leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "I think the award is very well deserved for Joe.

"He has showed great commitment to his public in Carterton and in wider West Oxfordshire. And it is particularly fitting he has been recognised in this way."