A FORMER resident of the Cassiobury Estate, Watford, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

Mr Don Bailey has been involved in raising thousands of pounds for charities since the mid-eighties after ill health hastened his early retirement from H.J. Heinz.

Following major heart surgery, Mr Bailey, a former captain and champion golfer at West Herts Golf Club, used his knowledge of the game as a framework for hosting fundraising charity golf tournaments.

A spectacular event with national coverage took place in 1987, which raised £80,000 for the Heart Foundation in one day, culminating in a gala dinner attended by many celebrities and sports personalities.

After similar success in raising funds for the Spinal Injuries Trust, he began to devote his energies to fundraising for more local beneficiaries.

In collaboration with this newspaper’s editor Peter Wilson-Leary and journalists Grelle White and Oliver Phillips, an annual Observer Newspapers Charity Golf Day was inaugurated at West Herts Golf Club in May 1997. It has flourished ever since.

Aided by Don's wife Susan and other close friends, the Observer tournament has benefited many local recipients: Watford General's CT Scanner Appeal; the Watford Palace Theatre Restoration Appeal and the Dick Edmonds Stroke Appeal were launched with Observer golf days.

The Peace Hospice, Shopmobility Watford, Watford Social Centre for the Blind, Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice, The Lemarie Group and Colne Valley Special Sailors Group were all awarded substantial sums.

A memorable event recently provided much-needed funding for the South Oxhey Community Choir. There have been many more.

Now in his eightieth year, Don speaks fondly of the fun to be had in giving and, in doing so, making a real difference to local people.

His unflappable northern humour and his rare gift of being able to communicate in a caring way to people of all backgrounds is well-known throughout Watford.

He has pledged to continue leading the Observer Newspaper Golf Days.

Mr Bailey recently moved from Cassiobury Drive to Petersfield in Hampshire to be close to his daughter Jane, son in law Grant and grandchildren George and Charlotte.

It is expected Mr Bailey will receive the award at Buckingham Palace in the early part of 2012.

Mr Bailey will be hosting the 16th Observer Newspapers Charity Golf Day at West Herts Golf Club on Friday, May 18.

This year's beneficiary is the recently formed Friends of Little Cassiobury, which is working to bring the former Cassiobury Dower House and one of the oldest buildings in Watford (built in 1698-1700) back into use.

For more information about the Golf Day, please contact Grelle White at grelle.moathouse@virgin.net