Appleby’s champion for archaeology has been presented with his British Empire Medal.
Martin Railton was awarded the BEM in this year’s Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours List in June for his services to archaeology and the town.
Mr Railton established Appleby Archaeology Group, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in January, and he has delivered numerous archaeology and heritage projects in the community, including the current Dig Appleby project, which revealed the remains of Appleby’s medieval friary.
The award was presented by Claire Hensman, Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria at the Moot Hall.
The ceremony was attended by Andy Connell, chairman of Cumbria County Council; the mayor of Appleby, Gareth Hayes; committee members and past chairmen of Appleby Archaeology Group; and Martin’s friends and family.
Martin said: “I feel very honoured to have been awarded the British Empire Medal and I am grateful to all those who have helped me over the years to achieve so much with the local community in Appleby. I have always cared passionately about conserving both the natural and historic environment.”
Appleby Archaeology Group will hold its annual meeting in the supper room of the town’s market hall on Thursday January 12 at 7pm. Members will hear a report about Dig Appleby and the excavation of the priory.
