Inspirational Suffolk community champions’ joy being recognised in New Year Honours including individuals from Ipswich, Eye and Beck Row, near Mildenhall

Suffolk community champions have spoken of their surprise, joy and delight at being included in the New Year Honours list.

Enid ‘Topsy’ Bacon, of Beck Row, near Mildenhall and Bill Bulstrode, of Eye, celebrated after being made Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM), while former world dart champion Keith Deller, of Ipswich, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Ms Bacon, who will be 80 in the new year, was recognised for her work with Beck Row Pre-School, which she set up in 1974 and has worked at ever since.

Meanwhile, for his work in and around Framlingham, with his department store Bulstrodes, a toy shop, a carpet fitting business which has helped several people in the wake of Storm Babet, and community work including helping to clean up the town, Mr Bulstrode was made a BEM.

Ms Bacon said: “If it wasn’t for such an amazing team that support me every day, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do – they’ve all been amazing

“It’s very humbling. I don’t call it a job, it’s a way of life; I love the children and the parents.

“I could never imagine being awarded such an award – I’m totally shocked and surprised.”

When Ms Bacon started the pre-school, it was in an old village hall which had windows so high that the only thing that the children could see was the sky. Since then the school has used two mobile units at the site of the primary school to ensure a better transition and to give the children more facilities to use.

Ms Bacon has received messages from all over the world congratulating her on the achievement, including from the Netherlands and the United States.

“Over the years, as we’re close to an RAF base, we’ve had their children so we’ve got people in contact from the USA; I’ve known one family for over 40 years.

“It’s also quite nice because all my grandkids have been through the pre school.”

Ms Bacon’s son, Nigel, was a big impetus behind her setting up the school. He passed away in January 2022 at the age of 51, and her daughters said he would have been very proud of her.

In her time at the pre school she has also lost her husband to illness, which almost led to her retiring 20 years ago, but she said the school gives her a purpose and keeps her going.

And as for the future, Ms Bacon says she has no plans of slowing down. Furthermore, despite the prestigious award, she said it would still be ‘business as usual’ when the children return in the new year.

“I haven’t got an plans to retire, as long as I have good health why should I.

“It’s just business as usual, carrying on. We’ve got children to look after, things to do.”

Mr Bulstrode echoed many of Ms Bacon’s sentiments, saying being made a BEM was ‘amazing’ and ‘humbling’.

“I don’t do what I for rewards, but I’m delighted. It’s just amazing,” he said.

“I’ve been living and working in Framlingham for 70 years, and I will accept this award in memory of my late wife who died two years ago. She would have been absolutely thrilled.

“I’m very humbled and honoured, words fail me. My wife would have been over the moon.

“I’ve had lots of messages and people coming into the shop saying ‘you deserve it’ which is amazing.”

Over the years Mr Bulstrode and his businesses have been instrumental to the town, putting up decorations and bunting for royal events including weddings, as well as things including the Olympic Games and Christmas decorations.

He has also been involved in helping to clean the town over the years, and in recent times has offered a helping hand to businesses affected by Storm Babet.

The Framlingham Post Office has now found a temporary home in his shop after it was flooded.

Mr Bulstrode continued: “Just recently we’ve had no one cleaning the streets so we’ve been cleaning around the shop. We want to do more and we will do more.

“I love the town, I was born and bred in Framlingham and just want to see it tidied up and back to where it was.

“I’ve been running a business in Framlingham for 50 years and I just love helping people.”

Both Ms Bacon and Mr Bulstrode have been invited to a royal garden party for those who have been made BEMs.

The former world darts champion Keith Deller, who has been recognised for charitable services in the community, said it was an honour to have been made an MBE.

The 64-year-old won the World Darts Championship in 1983, beating favourite Eric Bristow.

Since then, he has raised money for various charities, including MacMillan Cancer Support.

“I was really pleased to get the letter,” said Keith.

“One of the people that put me forward was Prince William’s former bodyguard, who does a lot for MacMillian.

“I had such a great life and career. I feel very lucky with the life that I had, but sadly many people are not so fortunate.

“So I feel anytime I can support a charity and raise money, it’s a good thing.”

Apart from raising money through events, Keith had also auctioned off shirts which he had worn anytime he played for England.

However, the Ipswich Town supporter, who now works for Sky Sports, has been doing charitable work even before his champion title.

Before his career break in 1983, Keith also helped to fund a dialysis machine for a young girl as well as to raise money for guide dogs.

Keith believes he has helped to raise around £2m for various charities throughout his life.

He said: “For me, it started from being a world champion – it gave me a chance to do things.

“If I haven’t been a world champion, I wouldn’t have been able to raise that money.

“Being made an MBE is a nice acknowledgement for what I’ve done.

He added: “This is also for my wife Kim. We’ve been married for 38-years and she was around when the good times on the dart board were not so good.

“At the end of the day, I’m pleased that I can help charities, and it’s something I will continue to do in the future.

“It doesn’t cost money to help people.”