Community bus service boss 'flabbergasted' at MBE

John Cairns said he was "flabbergasted" to receive an MBE

A man who set up a community bus service said he was "flabbergasted" to be made an MBE.

John Cairns, known as Jock, set up the Western Dales Community Bus, which runs journeys across rural areas in Cumbria.

He has been appointed MBE for services to public transport as part of the King's Birthday Honours.

"I decided to accept largely because of the other people who have been involved in the organisation - it's never been a one-man band," he said.

"This has always been a group of volunteers from the community who were concerned about public transport and wanted to do something about it."

Mr Cairns, who lives in Dent, said he had no idea of the honour until a letter came through the post.

He said: "I was absolutely flabbergasted, I was certainly very surprised."

Serving rural areas

Mr Cairns was the chairman of Dent Parish Council in 2011 when Cumbria County Council withdrew funding for the Saturday bus service connecting Dent Station and Sedbergh with Kendal.

He initially raised enough money to run the service for a year and then moved to setting up Western Dales Community Bus to take over.

He retired at the end of 2024 after leading the charity for 12 years.

The organisation has two 16-seat minibuses and expanded its services to other rural areas including Kirkby Stephen and Penrith.

The number of users jumped from 2,500 in 2012 to 10,600 in 2023.

Mr Cairns was one of 14 people in Cumbria celebrated in the King's Birthday Honours.

Here is the full list:

Knighthoods

• Prof Vernon Charles Gibson, for services to science and to defence

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

• Mr Paul Caldwell, for services to agriculture and to rural areas

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

• Mr Richard Alan Warren for services to mountain rescue in Cumbria and the Lake District

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Mr Nicholas James Barrett for services to outdoor education

• Mr James Matthew Batchelor for services to technology for older people

• Mr John Rodger Cairns for services to public transport

• Mr Douglas Kerr for services to aviation heritage

• Mr Mark Todd for services to sailing and to young people

• Mr Robert Walker for services to neurodiversity

• Mr Jeremy Richard Wilson for services to indoor climbing

Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

• Mrs Margaret Hartley for services to the community in west Cumbria

• Mr Nigel Robert Lister for services to the nuclear industry and to mountain rescue

• Miss Marjorie Anne Nicholson for services to the arts and to the community in Barrow in Furness

• Mr Kevin Walsh for services to the community in Carlisle

'Above and beyond'

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr Alexander Scott, said the number of recipients in the county reflected the "depth of commitment, compassion and service" of the community.

"Being awarded an Honour is a truly significant achievement, and I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those named," he said.

"Each of them has gone above and beyond, often without seeking any recognition, and their dedication is an inspiration to us all."