15 June 2011 - Derrick LOVELL, 'Member of the British Empire' for his services to archery

Derrick LOVELL, 'Member of the British Empire' for his services to archery London (GBR) – 15 June 2011  Derrick LOVELL, an archer, judge, administrator and a dedicated servant of the sport for four decades, has been awarded an MBE in the annual UK honours list to celebrate the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. He has been made a 'Member of the British Empire' for his services to archery. It means he and his family will go to Buckingham Palace to receive a medal from The Queen.  
As an archer since the early 1970s, Derrick has embraced all disciplines during this time, but shot mostly as a Field archer. But such has been his dedication. He has become involved in all aspects of the sport over the years, including coaching, judging, committee work and international representation.    
"I am a very proud man," said LOVELL, whose wife, Trish, is the current Archery GB president, and a former Field Archery world champion.  
"Being made an honorary life member of the Society at the Archery GB AGM in April was an enormous honour, but being recognised like by your country this is taking it to a new level. This is wonderful news."  
LOVELL is renowned as a man always quick to offer help and advice whenever it has been wanted, and many archers at all levels have benefited from his experience. A man with archery's best interests at heart at all times, he also personifies the spirit of a dedicated volunteer, who gives up his time for the benefit of the sport he loves.  
"This is just wonderful news," said Archery GB chief executive David SHERRATT. "I have known Derrick for 11 years, and over those years I have seen him work tirelessly within the UK on behalf of our sport, and seen for myself the respect with which he's held by his peers. Not just that, but he is also highly admired and respected internationally for his judgement, and for his organisational skills. Derrick loves and cares for the sport passionately. He's just a brilliant guy, and I'm so thrilled for him."   And archery's world governing body FITA/World Archery has added its congratulations to him: "FITA sends its sincere congratulations to Derrick, and we are delighted to hear that he has received such a prestigious honour to mark his dedicated service to archery. We realise what a big achievement it is for Derrick to be included in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Derrick is not just liked and respected by the archery community in the UK, his reputation spreads all over the world, and he is highly admired for his contribution to the various FITA committees he has sat on and worked for over the years."   
Source: Archery GB Edited by World Archery Communication