"I used to work 12-hour days in the pub, so looked to utilise my new found leisure time when I retired," said Robbie, aged 85.

"The village had been so supportive during my time at the Hood Arms that I wanted to repay all that support."

Robbie is a former parish councillor and has been treasurer of the parish church council for 27 years. He has been editor of the village newsletter, Kilve News, for 21 years, taking charge of printing and distributing it. He has been at the forefront of organising village events, including the late Queen's Jubilee in 2022, and is often master of ceremonies at events. Through a combination of fundraising events, grants, business and enterprise donations and other charitable sources, he raised more than £200,000 to restore the Grade II listed parish church. He runs an annual antiques fair to fund church maintenance costs and fundraises for the Quantock Food Cupboard food bank. He has also been involved with Kilve and Holford Cars community transport scheme, Speed Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and Kilve Golfing Society.

Referring to his BEM award, Robbie, who lives with his partner David, said: "I feel very humbled because one doesn't really expect these sorts of things.

"I'm quite pleased and happy to accept it. We hear so many things like Boris Johnson and his honours list, but it's nice to recognise Joe Bloggs in the street.

"I regard the award as for the whole village of Kilve because they've allowed me to do all these things."

The BEM in the King's Birthday Honours list goes to a pub landlord who has spent his retirement volunteering in his village.

Robbie Rutt, former owner of the Hood Arms, receives the honour for services to the community of Kilve.

Article by Phil Hill published in Somerset County Gazette - 16 June 2023