Norfolk Notes & MBE honours on the island!

Norfolk Notes & MBE honours on the island! -In this episode we pay tribute to the late Kathy Lecren who hosted a weekly VL2NI radio program entitled Norfolk Notes in 1985. Have a listen to the following excerpts read by Kathy from the books written by historian and author, Merval Hoare. You’ll hear a snippet about Allan Cunningham, a botanist on the island in 1830, Bishop Selwyn and the Melanesian Mission on the island, an overview of convict drownings at the Bar.Allan Cunningham was probably the first person to systematically list the plants of Norfolk Island. At the time of his visit, very few of the endemic plants had been named, the majority being described and named by the Austrian botanist Stephano Endlicher three years later, in 1833, based on the collections and drawings of Ferdinand Bauer who visited Norfolk in 1804/05. After five weeks on Norfolk Island a moderation of the rough weather allowed Cunningham to be taken to Phillip Island, along with three servants and an army officer. The visit was not without its problems, the most serious of which was an attack on Cunningham and his party by eleven escaped convicts. Merval Hoare was born Wellington New Zealand in 1914, her schooling developed early interests in music, prose and poetry. She was married in 1949 and lived with her husband, who worked for Civil Aviation, on Norfolk Island for much of her life, working as a correspondent for Pacific Islands Monthly and writing about the history of the island. She was awarded an MBE on Norfolk Island in 1983.The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) recognises outstanding achievement or service to the community that delivers sustained impact and stands as an example to others.The Order of the British Empire was established in 1917 by King George V during the First World War. The Order maintains a distinctive place in the honours system by focusing specifically on services to the community, charitable work, and public service excellence. For Norfolk Island, with its unique historical relationship to the British Crown, being awarded an MBE represents recognition at the highest level for service that stands out in its field. Recipients have typically devoted significant time and energy to improving conditions within their communities, often over many years or decades. This might include volunteer work, charitable endeavours, or civic leadership that has brought about positive change.The contributions made by MBE recipients have demonstrably improved lives, institutions, or practices in ways that can be clearly identified and measured. Those who receive the MBE typically embody values of integrity, dedication, and selflessness. Their personal conduct serves as a model for others in their community or field, inspiring similar dedication to service.Many recipients have introduced new approaches or achieved exceptional standards in their field, whether in arts, education, healthcare, business, or community organisation. For Norfolk Island recipients, their MBE reflects not only on themselves as individuals but also the Norfolk Island community they represent and have served. The following is a list of Norfolk Island MBE recipients:1935Enoch Cobcroft ROBINSON Esq.- MBE1957Charles Ivens (Potts) BUFFETT- MBE1964Kathleen Janet WELSH- MBE1968Fay Norma BATAILLE- MBE1969Gordina BEVERIDGE- MBE1978John Healey RYVES- MBE1979Bonnie Ann QUINTAL- MBE1983Merval Hannah HOARE- MBE1985Eric Nelson CRAIG- MBESponsored by Baunti Tours www.bauntitours.com > When booking with Baunti Tours, mention 'Podcast' to receive a 10% discount on tours. email: [email protected] phone: (International +6723) 23693To call from Australia: (02) 91368062