Grantham Journal letter: Congratulations to Brian on his very special award

I was extremely pleased when I read in the Journal that Mr Walsingham had been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) by Her Majesty in the New Year’s Honours.

Some time ago, I was informed that my paternal grandparents’ grave in Corby Glen churchyard was in need of urgent repair.

I went over and saw that the headstone was at an angle and the plinth had disintegrated. I spoke to a gentleman in the churchyard of my concern. He told me to get in touch with Mr Walsingham.

I did this and Mr Walsingham asked me about the grave, which I said was my grandparents and that my grandfather had been a police officer in Corby Glen.

He said ‘leave it to me, I will look at the grave’.

I never heard from Mr Walsingham so I went over again to look at the grave. What a difference; an excellent repair had been made which was first class.

I telephoned Mr Walsingham to thank him and asked how much I owed him. ‘Nothing,’ he said.

‘What about your time and materials?’ I asked. He said if I would like, perhaps I could give a donation to Corby Glen Church, which I did.

My wife and I offer our congratulations to Mr Walsingham on his award.

Michael D. Matsell

Grantham