The Rugbeian Community proudly celebrates Edward Peter Archer (W 61-65) and Charles James Turner (SF 79-84), who have been awarded MBEs for their exceptional contributions to heritage, community, manufacturing, and business.

Edward Peter Archer (W 61-65) - MBE for Contributions to Heritage and Community in Clydesdale

Ed Archer has dedicated nearly four decades to serving as Chairman and committee member of the Lanark and District Archaeological Society (LADAS). Throughout this time, he has taught various subjects including history, classics, archaeology, and computing at multiple institutions and has held a lecturer position in Archaeology and History at the University of Glasgow.

Previously, Ed was the Senior Development Officer for Community Service Volunteers / Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme, where he successfully engaged individuals over the age of fifty into volunteering. Under his leadership, the volunteer base expanded from zero to 510 participants across 37 projects in South Lanarkshire, making it Scotland’s largest initiative of its kind.

He established the Clydesdale’s Heritage website as part of LADAS initiatives and has authored numerous articles on the heritage of Lanark and Clydesdale. In recognition of his contributions, Ed received the Lanark Burgess Award for services to Heritage in 2013.

Pictured: Edward Archer in his Whitelaw House Photo

Charles James Turner (SF 79-84) - MBE for Contributions to Manufacturing and Business in Sheffield

Charles Turner, a retired Army Officer, is an established businessman based in South Yorkshire who leads an international company focused on producing industrial blades and machine knives. He holds the distinction of being the 384th Master Cutler and celebrated the company's 400th anniversary in 2024.

Commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in 1986, Charles gained valuable experience through active service in regions such as Cyprus, the Falkland Islands, the Balkans, and Northern Ireland. He transitioned to Edward Turner and Son Ltd, trading as Durham-Duplex, in 2003, coinciding with his father becoming the 365th Master Cutler. Since taking on the CEO role in 2006, he has overseen the development of Durham-Duplex into a global entity with subsidiaries in Thailand, the USA, and Belgium, along with a sales office in Manchester.

Beyond his primary career, Charles has contributed for two decades as the Sheffield Defence Advisor for the Secretary of State for Business and as Chairman of the Made in Sheffield Mark Steering Committee, advocating for Sheffield's manufacturing sector on behalf of the company, the Sheffield Chamber, and local council.

He also plays a vital role as the chair of the Sheffield Assay Office, which commemorated its 250th anniversary in September 2023, and participates in the British Hallmarking Council, which ensures compliance with the 1973 Hallmarking Act to protect consumers against fraudulent practices in the jewellery market and regulate the UK precious metal sector.

Since 2019, Charles has served as a Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire and completed an Executive MBA, specializing in Manufacturing Management, at Sheffield University in 2020.

Please get in touch if you know of other Rugbeians on the 2025 Honour's list, that have not been highlighted above. We'd be delighted to feature them.