Torin Douglas Receives MBE At Buckingham Palace

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Popular Chiswick man honoured for services to the community

Bedford Park resident Torin Douglas received his MBE at Buckingham Palace today (Feb 13) accompanied by his wife Carol and family.

The BBC media correspondent was included in the New Year Honours List 2013 for services to the community in Chiswick.

He is the driving force behind the annual Bedford Park Festival and also has been instrumental in the development of the Chiswick Book Festival. He is also involved in fundraising for St. Michael and All Angels Church in Bedford Park.

Torin Douglas and his wife Carol outside Buckingham Palace

Close friends from Chiswick gathered outside the gates of Buckingham Palace today to congratulate him after the ceremony. The couple's sons Richard and Michael and daughter Ellie were also present and the family celebrated the occasion at the Goring Hotel.

Earlier this year he spoke of his surprise at being included in the Honours List.

"I was astonished but totally delighted. It's a recognition that Chiswick really has become a stronger community in recent years, putting on more arts and charity events with the help of dozens of volunteers, performers and local businesses. I hope people feel it has become a better place to live."

Torin and Carol's two sons Richard and Michael and daughter Ellie with them outside the Palace

Other Chiswick residents included in the New Year Honours List 2013, Karen Liebreich and Mrs. Daksha Joshi, will be attending ceremonies in the near future.

The Guardian's theatre critic, Michael Billington, who lives locally was also included in this year's Honours List.

A total of 1,223 people were recommended to The Queen for an award in 2013, of whom over 70% were nominated for outstanding work in their communities.

February 13, 2013