Saturday 12 June 2010

Industry Chaplain Receives MBE in Birthday Honours List

Commenting on the news that the Rev. Andrew Jolly has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty The Queen in the Birthday Honours List, Malcolm Webb, Chief Executive of Oil & Gas UK, said: “The UK oil and gas industry may not be the easiest of parishes in which a minister can serve his parishioners, but there is not one oil or gas platform in the far-flung reaches of the North Sea where Andrew Jolly’s name is not know. 

“As our chaplain, Andrew’s dedication to the industry and its people, both on and offshore, has been outstanding. His work over the last 14 months in particular with the families and colleagues of the 17 men who lost their lives in two separate incidents on 1 April 2009 has earned him a great deal of respect and gratitude.  We are truly indebted to him.  There can be a no more deserving recipient of this honour than Andrew.”

ENDS

Further information: Oil & Gas UK Duty Press Officer on Tel 07659 183 999

Note to Editors

1. The UK Oil & Gas Chaplaincy was founded in the late 1980s and is based in Aberdeen.  The Reverend Andrew Jolly was appointed chaplain in February 2006, taking over from the Reverend Angus Smith on his retirement.  His ministry involves working with groups and individuals in their workplaces across the UK oil and gas industry, both offshore and onshore.  The Chaplain has an annual programme of visits to offshore installations, each of which usually lasts 24 or 48 hours.  He is called upon regularly to perform wedding, baptism, funeral and memorial services, as well as providing pastoral care, counseling and guidance.   He also leads the industry’s annual memorial service and Christmas carol service which are held in the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting in Aberdeen.
2. The Chaplaincy operates through the support of the Aberdeen Oil Industry Chaplaincy Trust which is fully funded by Oil & Gas UK.
3. Oil & Gas UK is the leading representative organisation for the UK offshore oil and gas industry. Its members are licensed by the Government to explore for and produce oil and gas in UK waters and those who form any part of the industry’s supply chain.