A STANDING ovation has greeted the award of an MBE to a volunteer who has raised thousands for charity as a pillar of the Dunchurch community.
As founder member and director of Dunchurch Players and sister organisation Pantomaniacs, Mike Judge has entertained the village for 14 years – helping to raise over £30,000 for local good causes.
The 75-year-old, who organises annual events as part of Dunchurch Festival Group, was cited in the New Years Honours List “for services to charity and the community in Dunchurch.”
Mike, who moved to the village in 1971, said it was a complete shock to learn his friends and colleagues had been working on his nomination for nearly three years.
“I’m very grateful to them in taking this forward,” he said. “I went to the Pantomaniacs and I was almost in tears because as I walked in they all gave me a round of applause. It was very touching.
“I feel a bit of a cheat because I do things that I enjoy very much indeed, and to get an award as a result of that seems almost over the top!
“On the other hand, I’m very proud that the citation mentions my village of Dunchurch, because its a wonderful village; we have terrific people and lovely organisations, and we have alot of fun.”
Formerly director of personnel and board member of the UK Peugeot company, Mike became involved in the Festival Group when he was asked to direct a play.
“So for 14 years, every September, I directed a comedy in the village. We were good at comedy, and it used the talents of the Pantomaniacs.”
But after directing 14 shows for the Players and 27 for the Pantomaniacs – with the 28th coming in the form of Mother Goose at the end of this month – Mike has decided it is time for a change.
“We’ve had an enormous amount of fun but we’re going to change the formula for this year by doing a variety show,” he said. “We’re always trying to think of something new to do.”
And he certainly isn’t letting the MBE go to his head.
“I just feel immensely privileged because I’m very proud of Dunchurch,” he said. “It’s kind of a badge for the village.”
*Mike was also cited for his work with Coventry University, where he acts as member of the External Co-opted Member Committee and University Pro-Chancellor, and is recognised as the longest serving member of the Pro Chancellor fraternity.
