New Year Honour recipient "humbled" to receive BEM

Gerald Callister has dedicated 'decades' to community service

A gentleman in Port Erin who's received a British Empire Medal as part of the 2026 New Year Honours says he is 'humbled' by the recognition.

Former Co-op manager Gerald Callister has dedicated decades of his life to serving the local community, the Church, and the Isle of Man as a whole. 

Read more HERE.

Government House says the award of the BEM recognises Mr Callister’s sustained, selfless, and heartfelt commitment to the people of Port Erin and the wider Island community.

It adds: "His long career as Manager of the Port Erin Co-op made him a familiar and trusted figure; he was known for his kindness, personal attention to customers, and willingness to assist those in need, often delivering essential goods to vulnerable residents. Following retirement, he continued to support the cooperative movement as an Isle of Man Director of the Co-op.

"A central part of Mr Callister’s life has been his exceptional service to the Church. He has been an altar server for sixty years, and for the past twenty-five years he has served as Churchwarden and Liturgical Assistant at Rushen Parish, following a decade of service at Bishopscourt Chapel. His dedication was acknowledged in 2020 with the award of Maundy Money.

'"Mr Callister has also contributed extensively to civic and community life. He has served as a Commissioner for Port Erin for over twenty-one years, taking on numerous leadership roles in local government. In addition, he has been a long-standing supporter of the Rushen Silver Band, the Port Erin Traders Association, and the Royal British Legion."

"Helping people when they need you, that's one of the most important things." - Gerald Callister 

In this edition of Newscast, Gerald told Manx Radio what it means to him: