“I was very much taken by surprise”: York City RCS Phil Jones on British Empire Medal award
Fergus Mainland caught up with the York City RC stalwart who has been awarded the honor for his services to rowing and young people in York.
Party and reflection. Two words that encapsulate the warm glow embracing the country during the festive period; celebrating the success of the past 12 months and reflecting on the triumphs and moments that have made us.
For a select group of individuals, the past month has been a restless wait, full of anticipation for the day the world can also celebrate their achievements and service.
A letter swearing its recipient to a strict embargo meant that for the month of December,the York City RC community was blissfully unaware they would be celebrating their stoic grandee,Phil Jones,as the bells heralded in the new year.
It’s a testament to the impression Phil has left on his athletes that this isn’t the first time his coaching and volunteering have been recognised. In 2022, Phil won British Rowing’s Lifetime Achievement Award for over three decades of outstanding contributions to York City RC.
“It was a great surprise, almost shock really,” explained Phil when reminiscing about opening his letter.
“I don’t suppose many people get the British Empire Medal each year,and there are hundreds of other people in rowing and other volunteers who are at least,if not more worthy than I am. I was very much taken by surprise.”
“I feel very honoured.But I’m very mindful of the fact that none of what I achieved would have been possible had it not been for the support from my family,particularly my wife,who had to put up with all the rowing things that I was doing for more than 30 years!”
Phil is rowing,and rowing is Phil. After discovering the sport while attending the University of Hull, Phil hasn’t looked back. His family are also immersed in the sport; Phil has been a proud parent watching his son, Thom, race at junior GB Rowing Team trials and his daughter represent her country at the 2002 Coupe de la Jeunesse.
Phil’s award has been for his commitment to the juniors of York City RC.It’s for his dedication to their development as athletes, but also their growth as individuals.
In the picture above, Phil is photographed with Lucy Edmunds, Charlie McMahon, and Sally Downing. They are just a selection of some of the great athletes that Phil has had the pleasure of working alongside.
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