Taunton Street Pastors are delighted to learn of the award of an MBE to their coordinator Adrian Prior-Sankey in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. Founder of the organisation, the Revd Les Isaac, himself awarded an OBE in 2012, has congratulated Adrian saying, ‘Over the past 25 years, I have met and worked with some extremely remarkable people, dedicated to serving the Nation and their communities – Adrian Prior-Sankey is one of them.‘
On hearing of the announcement Adrian paid tribute to the influence of his parents, the support of his family and the many volunteers with whom he has worked, saying,
‘This is a great honour and is really a recognition of the service that the amazing teams of volunteers that I work with deliver, whether it is the chaplains and street pastors providing a much needed listening ear for people in workplaces and on our streets, adult staff offering a range of high quality activities for young Sea and Royal Marines Cadets or enthusiasts delivering a top class cultural event like Taunton Flower Show. I am thankful for all the people who have worked alongside me in united efforts to nurture a peaceful and vibrant community.
‘My parents were both active in the Scout and Guide movements and provided me with a great example of public service. The opportunities they gave me to engage in a wide spectrum of community activities fostered a love of voluntary work and a passion for the community of Taunton which opened doors to friendships that have matured over many years.
‘I am especially grateful to whoever nominated me for this honour. My wife Hazel and our extended family have supported me enthusiastically over many years and the public recognition of the many activities with which I have been associated is as much a reflection of their dedication as anything I have done.’
Not one to rest on his laurels, Adrian has said that he will ensure that his MBE spurs him on in his work to positively impact the community in Taunton to try and make the area a safer place, whilst encouraging a new generation of volunteers to do the same.