A COMMUNITY stalwart has been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours for his efforts to help others in Over Wallop.

Richard Stephen Baldock, who goes by the name of Stephen, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in Over Wallop.

Stephen, who is a churchwarden at St Peter’s Church in the village, said the honour came “out of the blue” adding that there are others ‘just as worthy’ who should be recognised.

READ MORE: Andover-born former Superintendent recognised in New Year Honours

The 79-year-old moved to Over Wallop with his wife Janet in 2004 and the couple have become involved in the local church community.

Stephen, who was High Master of St Paul’s School in West London, leads Sunday worship from time to time as a lay worship leader and plays the organ in the absence of a professional.

The father of four and grandfather to 10 also proofreads and prints the Wallop Parish magazine which is distributed to 550 subscribers.

Stephen also helped to spread updates on the neighbourhood development plan, saying: “I set up an email address to circulate information to everyone in the village who signed up. I’m not the mastermind behind the plan but I did help with the communication aspect of that.”

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Stephen and Janet moved to Over Wallop from London to be close to family, including daughter Sarah who is currently director of music at Winchester College and son Andrew, now a consultant anaesthetist at Southampton General Hospital.

“When we retired here we wanted to be part of the community and make our contribution to everyday life,” Stephen added.

Also recognised in the New Year Honours from Andover is Deborah Geany, senior case manager of the Personnel Recovery Unit Wales and West for the Ministry of Defence. Deborah has been made an MBE for services to military personnel.

Andover-born former Hampshire Constabulary Superintendent Annabel Berry has also been recognised and will receive the King's Police Medal for services to policing.