ROYAL APPOINTMENT FOR HONOUR WINNERS
Queen’s awards officially handed to community stalwarts
STAFFORDSHIRE residents have been handed personal Honours by the Queen for their contributions to the community.
The winners were announced in the Queen’s Birthday and New Year Honours lists over the last two years.
Now recipients attended the special ceremonies on October 15, 19 and 28 at County Buildings in Stafford, hosted by Councillor Paul Snape, chairman of Staffordshire County Council.
Medals were presented to the winners by the Lord-lieutenant, Mr Ian Dudson CBE KSTJ on behalf of the Queen. Among the recipients were:
Carole Kind, a BEM for services to the community of Stoke-ontrent during Covid-19;
David George Robins, a BEM for services to the veterans of North Staffordshire;
Michael John Deakin, of the Silverdale Scouts group, a BEM for services to scouting and charity in Staffordshire;
David Moreton, a BEM for services to people with learning disabilities. David runs the Oak Tree Farm Rural Project, based in Hilderstone, which has been providing training and activities for adults with learning disabilities since the 1980s;
Patricia Geraghty, a BEM for pharmacy services in Leek during Covid-19;
Susan Josephine Sheppard, from Newcastle, a BEM for services to the environment;
Carole Kind said: “I was both surprised and delighted to be awarded the BEM.
“I regard it as recognition for the hard work by myself and the staff at The Hub Fenton.”
Patricia Geraghty said: “I feel very proud to receive this award honoured by the Queen because it reflects the challenges we overcome within pharmacy in Staffordshire – recognising that pharmacy doors have remained open throughout the pandemic.”
Sue Sheppard, lately biodiversity officer at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Following in the footsteps of the late Roger Hill, former county ecologist and my mentor, who made the protection of Cannock Chase his mission, my role was always more than a job to me. Places like Cannock Chase are precious and special and worthy of safeguarding for our future generations.”
Other recipents included:
Yvonne Clarke, MBE for services to innovation and the community in North West England, who set up Crewe-based social enterprise CIC Pathways;
Molly Henriques-dillon, a BEM for services to nursing during Covid-19;
Joseph Luke Trusselle, a BEM for services to neighbourhood policing;
James Reid, a BEM for services to community, safety and cohesion;
Hazel Lillian Nelson, a BEM for services to nursing and the community in Staffordshire;
Gladys Mary Turnbull, a BEM for services to sport and the community.
Ian Dudson, Lord-lieutenant of Staffordshire said: “The British Empire Medal is now fully reestablished as a significant part of our Honours system, often uniquely recognising voluntary contributions at a very local community level.
“I am delighted that we have been able to organise the investitures for those receiving the award.”