Michael Rouse is the personification of what Ely is all about. He has lived and breathed the region since the day he was born.
Former school teacher, historian, author, Councillor, Mayor and family man, Mike is now 80 years old and during his birthday party, we surprised him with the Community Star Award.
Nominating and speaking in the video, Matthew Routledge said of Mike, “Michael Rouse has been our mayor for two years, in that two years he has been a visible, approachable, supportive, kind, funny and fantastic individual – that doesn’t cover his constant work, support and love for Ely that has been a constant theme throughout his entire life. Without Mike, the heartbeat of Ely wouldn’t be as loud and as proud as it is.”
It is well-known that as Mayor, Mike Rouse has been one of the most visible, attending hundreds of events during his 2 years. Each mayor is usually chosen to represent for one year but due to radical changes during the last election, Mike stepped in for a second year running.
For the first time in 80 years, on receiving the award we made Mike speechless but during a humourous exchange, his humble demeanour shone through.
Earlier today Mike wrote on his Facebook wall, “A complete surprise for me last night when Matt Routledge made a really kind speech about me and then Mark Cooney of Spotted in Ely came forward and presented me with a Spotted in Ely Community Star Award. Matt had nominated me and it was all a very well kept secret (Glad they still don’t do ‘This is Your Life’!). I was and am very moved by the award and thank Matt and Mark and Alison of Spotted in Ely. “
Your latest Community Star, Michael Rouse.
