British Empire Award for Stephen Double
Published by Stephen Double in Member News · Monday 07 Oct 2024 · 2:00
I was really pleased to be able to finally recieve the
presentation of my British Empire Award, at The Royal Yacht Squadron, on a
blustery Cowes Seafront on Tuesday evening.
4 years after the Covid Pandemic Outbreak in 2020, when
my successful campaigns Operation Geranium, and Stay Safe And Send A Local
Artists Postcard, built awareness, and resillience for older residents,
struggling with issues of loneliness, and isolation.

I had previously been directing the installation of
Healing Arts, for community well being in recreational areas of the St Mary's
Hospital Estate. Upon the removal of this facility, I started the creation of
50
000 free local Artists Postcards, which were mailed from
the Isle Of Wight all across the World.
The creation of Art to find new spaces, built a platform
for hope and imagination, that could transcend the stark warnings of Goverment
broadcasting.

Since 2020 I have sought to display the Art Collection
which became the source for 50 000 postcards in local public buildings for
free.
Currently in Lord Louis Library, Ventnor Public Library,
and West Cowes Library, also for May 2025 at Brading Roman Villa. I am actively
seeking locations for The Island's Biggest Free Art Trail in other locations
across the Island.
I have when requested presented a Talk about The Origins
Of Operation Geranium, to community groups, and more recently have been
interested in the re stocking breeding programme of a rare breed Goat, The
Royal Guernsey Golden Goats, which nearly became extinct and are at the top of
the red zone for endangered species.
I was previously supported by The N.B.A who sponsored a
series of 5,000 Local Artist postcards, distributed by lots of Businesses, and
organisations in The Newport Area, this would cost £250.00 to print publish the
work of local Artists.I would be interested in further support from the N.B.A.
Only one N.B.A Member declined to give out free postcards
by local Artists, as their charter and rules was not primarily to support the
work of local Artists and Musicians, although they are publicly funded by tax
payers
Stephen Double B.E.M.