Two men have been appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List – Phil Andrews, a Warminster resident, for services to community engagement in archaeology, and Stuart D’Souza, a former Warminster School pupil, for services to UK business and trade in Saudi Arabia.
Archaeologist Phil Andrews has been involved in countless excavations with Operation Nightingale, an initiative which invites injured service personnel and veterans to take part in archaeological digs. As well as having a profound impact on participants’ well-being and mental health, the project empowers veterans by equipping them with new skills and training.
Phil, who works at Wessex Archaeology, said, “It was a huge shock. When I saw the brown envelope, I thought it was some tax form or that I’d done something wrong!
“Since the news came out, a lot of people I’ve worked with over the years have been in touch. It’s been really humbling to think I’ve done something worth celebrating.”
Phil’s contribution to archaeology has been recognised alongside other notable figures in the field, including Taryn Nixon, Peter Hinton and Professor Tim Taylor.
He added, “I finished my environmental sciences course at the University of East Anglia about 50 years ago. Since then, I’ve really enjoyed the camaraderie of working with so many good people. To any young person thinking of going into archaeology, I’d say: do it!”
Services to UK business
Meanwhile, former Warminster School student Stuart D’Souza was appointed MBE for services to UK business overseas.
Stuart, whose parents still live in Warminster, attended the school until 1999. He moved to Saudi Arabia in 2006 with BAE Systems, and a few years later founded Arabian Enterprise Incubators, of which he is now CEO.
Friend Harry Lee, also from Warminster, said, “Stuart’s contribution to business in the region being recognised with this royal honour is long overdue. Until now, his legacy in Saudi Arabia was perhaps most visibly marked by a tree, well to the left of the 17th fairway on his favourite golf course in Riyadh – he’ll argue an MBE is perhaps a better legacy for his service and contribution.
“Outside of work, Stuart has played a central role in building a vibrant British expat community in Riyadh. From hosting pub quizzes and barbecues to organising golf tournaments, his efforts have brought a strong sense of camaraderie and home to many. In fact, the British contingent in his residential compound now proudly includes three fellow Warminster natives.
“Due to Saudi Arabia’s ban on alcohol, Stuart won’t be able to toast the honour at home. Instead, a small celebration is being planned at the nearby British Embassy in Riyadh, where such things are permitted.
“A proper glass will no doubt be raised on his next return to the UK.”
