Queen’s Birthday Honours List

THREE people from the Echo area are celebrating this week after being recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Frances Acton, 56, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to the community in Barrow-upon-Soar and across Leicestershire. As a school governance advisor and education consultant, she has devoted decades of her life to supporting youth development throughout Leicestershire.

Her citation states she was appointed a Foundation Governor in 1997 and led the conversion of a school into an academy and ensured the school still retained a warm, happy and family atmosphere. Under her leadership and devotion, the school has gone from strength-to-strength with attainment levels and learning skills increasing dramatically. She has also been the unit leader of 1st Barrow Guides since 2001. As a leader for the Girl Guides she supported young adults in the community and offered a variety of opportunities for youth to take part in different activities in different settings, including international camps. She is tirelessly devoted to ensuring the weekly meetings meet the needs of the girls. She helps the girls develop belief in themselves and promotes self-esteem, confidence and resilience.

Rowena Limb, from Loughborough, received an OBE for services to the economy as a Midlands area director for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

And Anne-Maria Newham, of Rothley, has been made an MBE for services to nursing at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.