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BEM for Trevor Harrop, co-founder of The Avon Roach Project and Angling Trust ambassador

Congratulations to Trevor Harrop who has received a BEM (British Empire Medal) in the New Year’s Honours List as co-founder of The Avon Roach Project and for services to angling.
“To be one of very few chosen over time connected to angling and environmental stewardship makes it extra special,” said Trevor, who is also an Angling Trust ambassador. “And although The Avon Roach Project itself is multi-award-winning and arguably a part of angling history, this ultimate personal recognition is the icing on the most extraordinary cake.”
Trevor set up the groundbreaking project in 2005 with his close friend Budgie Price (who sadly passed away two years ago) to restore roach populations in the Hampshire Avon, which they achieved by developing new techniques to restore stock and manage habitats. Their methods are now adopted on rivers across the UK.
Trevor added: “The initial enquiry was made as to whether Budgie and I were both available to receive the honour. Sadly, New Year’s Honours are not given posthumously, so I shall be accepting it on behalf of both Budgie and myself.
“Although Budgie’s absence will blunt the edge, it will not dull the shine of this once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment, knowing that he’d have received it as well. And when I am holding the medal outside Buckingham Palace after the Royal Garden Party, I know that the smile on Budgie’s face would have been the proudest, widest and brightest – as will be the one on mine.”
Trevor Harrop and Budgie Price at The Avon Roach Project book launch

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