British Empire Medals awarded to Staffordshire residents

Fifteen Staffordshire residents have been given personal Honours by Her Majesty the Queen for their contributions to their local communities.

The winners were announced in The Queen’s Birthday and New Year Honours lists over the last two years. Recipients attended special ceremonies on 15, 19 and 28 October at County Buildings in Stafford, hosted by Cllr 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 Her Majesty the Queen.

The recipients were as follows:

Mr Peter Jackson BEM for services to the community of Tamworth
Mr David George Robins BEM for services to the veterans of North Staffordshire.
Mrs Molly Henriques-Dillon BEM for services to nursing during COVID-19.
Mr James Reid BEM for services to community, safety and cohesion.
Mrs Patricia Geraghty BEM for pharmacy services in Leek during COVID-19.
Ms Susan Josephine Sheppard BEM for services to the environment.
Mrs Carole Kind BEM for services to the community of Stoke on Trent during COVID-19.
Mrs David Moreton BEM for services to people with learning disabilities in Staffordshire
Mr Joseph Luke Trusselle BEM for services to neighbourhood policing.
Mrs Yvonne Clarke MBE for services to innovation and the community in North West England.
Mrs Hazel Lillian Nelson BEM for services to nursing and the community in Staffordshire.
Ms Anne Elizabeth Ward BEM for services to the community of Burton on Trent during COVID-19.
Mrs Jennifer Ann Dunn BEM for services to the community of Cannock.
Mr Michael John Deakin BEM for services to scouting and charity in Staffordshire.
Mrs Gladys Mary Turnbull BEM for services to sport and the community

Ian Dudson, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire said:

“The British Empire Medal is now fully re-established 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. Their wonderful contributions have been recognised accordingly and I am privileged to have presented their Medals on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.”

Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Mr Paul Snape added:

“It was a great privilege for me to host these presentations and honour these fantastic people, who have done so much for our communities. They have all made invaluable contributions in their services and it was a great pleasure to see them receive such prestigious recognition from Her Majesty for their hard work given over many years.”

Sue Sheppard, BEM, 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; worthy of safeguarding for our future generations.”

Patricia Geraghty, BEM, 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.”

For further details on the awards visit www.gov.uk/honours/overview or www.gov.uk/queens-award-for-voluntary-service/overview