A Dumfries farmer’s son has been awarded an MBE by the Queen in her birthday honours.
Thomas Maxwell has become a Member of the British Empire for his services to floristry and charity.
Thrilled Thomas, 76, said: “It was a delightful surprise and one that I never imagined I would receive.”
Born at Netherwood Farm to dad John and mum Elizabeth, and where brother John still farms, Thomas set off for the bright lights of London at just 18.
He trained under the tutelage of the distinguished British educator, author and florist Constance Spry – the lady responsible for arranging the Queen’s coronation flowers.
It was in London that he also met his wife of 53 years, Gail. The couple went on to have two daughters and now have three grandchildren.
After seven years, Thomas and his family moved to Edinburgh, where he opened his own shop.
His business, Flowers by Maxwell, continues to bloom.
For many years, Thomas has been honoured with the task of designing and producing a bouquet for Her Majesty the Queen to welcome her on her visits to Scotland.
And on Friday to mark the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, a bouquet of his scented roses was presented to Princess Anne on her trip to the capital with her husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence.
Thomas, who has also been involved in charity work for more than 30 years and has donated his time to countless charities including Marie Curie, the Prince’s Trust and Edinburgh’s The Royal Blind School, said: “I thought the Jubilee celebrations were wonderful and once again I was honoured to be asked to make a bouquet for the Princess Royal.
“I don’t yet know when I’ll receive my MBE because there’s a backlog due to the pandemic.
“I love coming back to Dumfriesshire and visiting my family there, so it will be lovely to show the MBE to them when I do receive it.”
Thomas joins Vicky Wright and David Murdoch in being awarded an MBE.
Dumfries-born Vicky and Lockerbie’s David have both become Members of the British Empire for their services to the sport.
