A FORMER Tavistock schoolboy and baker was recently awarded the OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to heritage.

Bill Ferris, who attended Tavistock School from 1969 to 1976 and later owned and operated the Pasty Shop in Market Street after training as an accountant, is now chief executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust in Kent.

He was given the OBE for 22 years' service to heritage and said he was very surprised and honoured.

'Honours are things that other people get and as a team player it still feels a little strange,' he said. 

'The award is for services to heritage — this obviously reflects the things being achieved here at the Historic Dockyard Chatham by the wonderful team that I have the privilege to lead. 

'It is, I suspect, also recognising my voluntary work as chairman of the Association of Independent Museums — a national organisation with 900 members. 

'I think one of the key achievements has really been in developing and delivering the business strategy of "Preservation through Re-use" that has created the amazing community of 112 homes, 142 businesses and 150,000 visitors a year here at the heart of Medway. 

'The Historic Dockyard has, through its amazing team of staff and volunteers, become a model for heritage-led regeneration. 

'Although still having some way to go to become financially sustainable, things are really moving the right way and that's being recognised. 

'The main thing is that the Historic Dockyard's heritage is now more secure and better known — and that's important. I definitely feel that my honour is a reflection of the achievement of a huge number of people since 1984 when the Navy left this great dockyard in the hands of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust.  I hope that in being awarded the honour it is, in part, on their behalf.'

Admiral Sir Ian Garnett, chairman of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust praised Mr Ferris for his unique blend of vision, business acumen, inspiration, innovation, drive, management skills, moral courage, selfless commitment and self-deprecating humour.

'With his outstanding leadership comes an ability to work closely with a wide range of people and organisations to which he brings tact, patience, tenacity but flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to get the best results from all those involved.'