Occold man, Bill Bulstrode, receives BEM for Framlingham community work

A business owner, who has worked tirelessly for his community, was among those to receive a British Empire Medal at a ceremony attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk.

Bill Bulstrode, who lives in Occold and owns Bulstrode’s in Bridge Street, Framlingham, was given the accolade after carrying out numerous litter picks, running marathons for charity, decorating the town for major events and allowing the local post office to set up in his shop after flooding.

Speaking to the Diss Express in January, when the latest honours list was announced, Mr Bulstrode dedicated the medal to his wife, Teresa, who died two years ago.

“She would have been absolutely thrilled, and I’m very humbled and honoured,” he said.

The father-of-two is now due to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 8, and will be taking his brother with him, after being convinced to attend by his family.

“I went to one with my late wife in 2014, so it will be very emotional for me and will bring back memories,” he said this week.

“Since losing her, I’ve always had to keep myself busy. It will be a great day, though, and I’m looking forward to it now.

“I’ll keep helping out in the community in the coming months and will be putting some flags up around the town for D-Day in June.”

Speaking afterwards, the Lord-Lieutenant, Clare Countess of Euston, said: “It is always such an honour for me to meet and speak with recipients of national awards. It is so heart-warming to hear their stories and the incredible work and contributions they have all made across our county.”