Kent Messenger Group president Edwin Boorman has become only the second recipient of an award to recognise outstanding contribution to Kent and its community.

Edwin, who stepped down from his role as chairman of KMG a year ago, was presented with The Spirit of Kent Award by Prince Charles.

The award was initiated by Kent’s Lord Lieutenant, who bestowed the honour upon The Duke of Kent last year.

A panel of significant members of the Kent community unanimously voted for Edwin to receive the award this year.

Speaking at a ceremony at Turkey Mill in Maidstone, he said: “I gratefully accept this, the highest honour the Lieutenancy can bestow, on behalf not only of myself but of the six generations of my family who have done their best to make a positive and loving contribution to the Kent community over a very long period.

“To me, the award also represents recognition for the selfless volunteers and community workers of the organisations I have been associated with over the past 50 years, and the dedicated staff of the Kent Messenger Group.”

Edwin, (71), had been in charge of independent family-owned newspaper group KMG for more than 40 years, and had been chairman since 1986.

He now acts as a link between the board and the shareholders as the group’s president.

The Kent Messenger Group was given to Edwin’s grandfather, Barham Boorman, in 1882 by the previous owners, who were grateful to him for raising enough money to pay off their debts.

From 1960 to 1962 Edwin was editor of the South Eastern Gazette, and he edited the Kent Messenger from 1962 to 1965.

He then became managing director of KMG and also served as its chief executive, a role he relinquished in 2002.

Edwin is also a former president of the Newspaper Society, serving from 2001 to 2002. Do you have a story about the regional press?
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