Long-standing Southdown Sheep Society member David Burden has been awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of many years of voluntary service to the local farming community and local government in West Sussex.
On February 20th 2017 friends and family members came together at the South Downs National Park Centre in Midhurst, West Sussex, to attend the investiture, by the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mrs Susan Pyper, of the British Empire Medal to David Burden.
David’s association with Southdown sheep goes back many years, his Duncton flock (No. 205) was founded in 1980 and is one of the oldest flocks still in existence today. A past President of Southdown Sheep Society and for many years a member of Council, as a member of the South Downs Conservation Board David has represented the breed within the Southdown National Park, lending his expertise and support to the long-running campaign to establish the South Downs National Park. He played a key role in the small group of members and officers that worked to establish the new organisation and shape its unique partnership-led culture. David has been an active member of the National Farmers Union and the West Sussex Federation of Young Farmers Club since his youth and he has worked tirelessly to support campaigns to reduce the burden of red taps on farmers, to increase the efficiency of farming and to build the sector’s reputation. He has been active in the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution for much of his life, providing support to farmers experiencing financial pressure or other medical or personal issues. A keen historian, David is an active member of the Petworth History Society. He remains our point of contact for all archive and historical matters relating to the Southdown sheep. The Southdown Sheep Society extends hearty Congratultions to David Burden BEM on this well-deserved award.
