b'Roger Bucknall MBE - the back story In the beginningThe idea of nominating you for the award of an honour came from Colin and Lucie Henwood. A team of helpers was co-opted and work began collating a brief history of what you had achieved in your chosen craft, who you had trained, how you were involved in the community, how you make an impact on your chosen field of endeavour. Endorsements from players, past and present, colleagues and even friends contibuted to the nomination.In March 2014 the Henwood family were attending the Heritage Crafts Association Annual Conference in London when a plea went out to nominate craftsmen and women who, unlike the plethora of actors, rock stars, charity workers, civil servants etc. were not being widely recognised for National Honours. No words were said at the time but it transpired that all four of us experienced a light bulb moment!Nearly two years and many hoops later we, and hundreds of others in the music industry and beyond, were absolutely delighted to wake up on News Years Day 2016 to the news that you were to be awarded an MBE for services to guitar making, music and heritage crafts.The application process is detailed and protracted but we were not short of materialso many peopleplayers, fellow craftsmen, employees and friends alike were falling over themselves to contribute. However, most credit must be given to your long term friend, Fylde player and PR guru Mike English who provided 99% of the nitty gritty details required in order to meet the stringent application requirements. I also know that if we hadnt started the ball rolling he would have done so.*** (note to Roger this is not necessarily true!)In May this year Colin and I were thrilled to be able to join you and Moira at another Heritage Craft Association conference where, in the presence of his peers, the great man was one again acknowledged for being the extraordinary craftsman that he is. However, with or without the blessing of the HCA or the Queen, we all admire, respect and love you Rog for your generosity, tenacity, sense of humour and unique ability to make something so incredibly special out of a bit wood and some artificial cats guts! Colin and Lucie Henwood.122'