Organiser of Alderney Week named in the 2021 New Year Honours List

Saturday 02 January 2021

Ronnie Cairnduff BEM has been celebrated for bringing his passion for entertainment and culture to Alderney.

Mr Cairnduff has lived a long and storied life, culminating in the planning and management of Alderney Week for more than 40 years. He has been awarded a BEM for his services to entertainment and culture.

When Mr Cairnduff move to Alderney in 1972 he had already built a successful care home business in the UK and had been heavily involved with Gateway and Mencap – charities aiming to help people with learning disabilities.

“I did a lot of work for Mencap through the Gateway Club, supporting their performing arts,” said Mr Cairnduff.

Pictured: Alderney Week went ahead this year, with the theme being the 'Roaring Twenties'.

He offered his skills, developed over the years and applied to staging the annual national Gateway Talent Show in London, to the people of Alderney for no cost. This ranged from lighting events, to photography and film.

He has been heavily involved with the Alderney Theatre group and helped stage ‘Mamma Mia’ on a beach in the island. He has also provided drama support to ST Anne's. 

He said it was a wonderful surprise to be named in the Honours list.

“I was very honoured to be honest, it was absolutely delightful, I was absolutely chuffed.”

Pictured: Mr Cairnduff was born in Lisburn in Northern Ireland.

In addition to all this, Mr Cairnduff has also served on the committee of the Alderney Sailing Club, sat as president of the Alderney 41 club, raised thousands for local causes and has supported the Alderney Music Society and the Alderney Chamber Music Festival.

Most notably this year, Mr Cairnduff came out of retirement at short notice to help organise and manage a Covid-compliant Alderney Week. He’s committed to aiding arts and entertainment for as long as he can.

“As long as there's life in the old dog I'll keep on doing it.”

Three other people from the Channel Islands were named in the Honours list as well.

Pictured top: Mr Cairnduff has lived in Alderney since the 70’s and plays a key role in the local music scene.