His Majesty The King’s first Official Birthday Honours List has been announced, with several Islanders recognised for their outstanding contributions including Mountbatten’s Nigel Hartley, chef Robert Thompson and Chale’s Ronald Groves.
More than 1,000 recipients have been awarded across all sectors and parts of the UK, including here on the Isle of Wight. A total of 6 Islanders have received an honour.
Dr Sarah Knight, a behavioural scientist working within the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at the Ministry of Defence, has been awarded an OBE for her services to the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Also receiving an OBE is the former director of adult social services at the Isle of Wight Council, Dr Carol Tozer, now of Bodmin in Cornwall. She has been given the honour for services to social care.
Nigel Hartley, Chief Executive Officer of Mountbatten, has been awarded an MBE for his services to hospice care over the past 35 years. He lives in St Lawrence.
Speaking about his honour, Nigel has said:
“I am delighted and humbled to receive this award and it is a testament to everything my Mountbatten colleagues and myself continue to achieve together, developing and delivering relevant and sustainable 24/7 services for the communities we are here to serve.
“The award is the result of the work of many hands and I accept it on behalf of all Mountbatten staff, volunteers and supporters who continue to be an inspiration to me.”
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An MBE has also been given to top chef Robert Thompson, from Newport, for services to hospitality, tourism and charity.
Angela Hewitt from East Cowes, founder and trustee of Naturezones, has been awarded an BEM for services to nature conservation and education.
The British Empire Medal has also been given to parish councillor Ronald Groves for services to the community in Chale. He is also a former Premier League referee who wrote the book ‘From Cowfield to Anfield’.
Jacqueline Wilson from Seaview has been awarded a BEM also for services to wildlife rehabilitation through Save Our Hedgehogs.
Karen Farr, Children and Young People and Volunteer Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, has been awarded an MBE.
Finally, former Chief Constable of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Olivia Pinkey QPM, from West Sussex, has been awarded a CBE.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden MP said:
“This year’s honours list is a testament to ordinary people who have demonstrated extraordinary community spirit, and I pay tribute to all those who have been recognised today.
“Our honours system has long been a way of recognising people who make an incredible contribution to life in Britain and beyond.
“We are now focussed on levelling up the system to ensure it represents the length and breadth of the country, and I hope that the fantastic stories this year ensure more regional nominations in the future”.
Think adult social care workers,carers and the elderly who get a greatly reduced service might have something to say.
I admire the great people of the country who have declined such awards over the years.
Anything to keep the Monarchy in Power, when the Queen sadly passed it was the perfect time to
abolish the Monarchy.
Most on that list don’t deserve any award. And Oliver dowden should be in jail. What a joke. No wonder the country is in such a state. Reward for failing
Agreed, most are paid to do a job, every one in health,police,refuse collection save lives and improve environment for all, when do they get reward ?.Should only be given to Charity workers, individuals outstanding achievement and Volunteers. It’s mostly another who you know and money.