BEM for Les Quilty

Les Quilty has lived and breathed the Maritime Volunteer Service from the charity’s first days when he was a founder member.

The huge amount of time and effort Les, of East Sussex Sovereign Harbour Unit, has put into the whole range of MVS activities since the charity was formed some 23 years was recognised last week with the award of the British Empire Medal by the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field at Lewes Town Hall.

During his time in the MVS Les has been a trustee for several years and was AVO South for a significant period.

At 84 years of age Les is still the Unit’s senior skipper with a formidable reputation for being able to apply his wealth of experience effectively in any given tight situation.

The safe operation of the Unit’s vessel East Sussex 1 over the past 17 or so years is thanks in large part to Les’s efforts.