Posted on Friday 18th October 2024
(L-R): Vice Lord-Lieutenant Graham Morley DL, Lord-Lieutenant Marine cadet Sgt Harriet White, Elizabeth Timmis BEM, Linda Forrister BEM, Hilary Dowson BEM, LL for Staffordshire Mr Ian Dudson CBE KStJ, Jacqueline Gange MBE, Tony Ward BEM, Thomas Noblett BE
Seven Staffordshire residents have been awarded prestigious personal Honours by His Majesty the King for their invaluable contributions to their local communities.
The winners were announced in the 2024 Birthday Honours lists and attended a special ceremony hosted by the Chairman of Staffordshire County Council On Tuesday 15 October.
The recipients were as follows:
- Jacqueline Mary Gange MBE - For services to the Community in Cannock
- Hilary Dowson BEM – For services to the community in Ellastone
- Linda Mary Forrister BEM - For services to British Gymnastics
- Thomas Edward Noblett BEM - For services to local government
- Elizabeth Ruth Timmis BEM - For services to the community of Wetwood
- Antony Michael Ward BEM - For services to Swimming and Para Swimming
- Dr Mary Francis Bradshaw BEM - For services to Further Education
Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Phil Hewitt said:
“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 His Majesty for their hard work given over many years”.
Ian Dudson, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire added:
“The British Empire Medal is a much-admired part of our Honours system, often uniquely recognising voluntary contributions at a very local community level. I am delighted that we now have another seven recipients from the Birthday24 Honours List, whose wonderful contributions have been recognised.
I am delighted and privileged to have presented their Medals on behalf of His Majesty The King along with an MBE for a lady who elected to have it presented locally rather than in London. I congratulate and thank them all.”
Jacqueline Gange MBE said:
“I would just like to say that I feel very honoured to receive an MBE as it is for work, I love and nothing pleases me more than to know my work has helped my clients get a benefit or sort out a problem they failed to do themselves. I do always work as part of a team and my present team are all dedicated to our work in Cannock and the surrounding area.”
Hilary Dowson BEM:
“I feel humbled and honoured that my contribution over the years has been recognised by the very community which I strive to serve and completely surprised that ordinary people are recognised in this way.”
Linda Forrister BEM:
"I am delighted and feel very proud to be awarded the British Empire Medal. To receive such an award for doing something that I have loved and enjoyed for over fifty years is a real honour.”
Thomas Noblett BEM:
“I am very pleased to receive the award of the BEM but feel it is not just for myself but also for those parishioners who volunteer their time in running the many groups and societies within the Parish”.
Elizabeth Timmis BEM:
"Although I do raise money for charity, especially for breast cancer, the significant amounts raised locally, could not be achieved without the help of family and very good friends."
Tony Ward BEM:
“I was rather taken back to receive notification of my British Empire Medal, and I did shed a tear in delight. It feels so good that people actually recognise the time, commitment and effort that goes into what I do for swimming and para swimming. But I have to recognise the support around me, I can’t do it on my own and I have a very understanding wife, Helen, who is key to that support.”
Mary Bradshaw BEM:
“Having a job that gives me the opportunity to put a small stitch in peoples’ life tapestries is amazing. Being acknowledged for this with a BEM is both magical and humbling. I feel truly blessed and thank everyone involved.”
People can find out more about the Queens award on the gov.uk website.