A number of Island residents were recognised for their service in the community at the Lord-Lieutenant’s Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday evening.
Held in the Royal Yacht Squadron Pavilion on a blustery Autumn evening the event was sponsored by the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets ‘Association. (SERFCA)
SERFCA champion the value of the Reserve Service and promote the Cadet experience. It works closely with the civilian community and the Armed Forces chain of command. It has a professional staff, supported by some 8,000 volunteer members.
This event was supported by 266 Port Squadron Royal Logistic Corps (formerly IW Rifles) which was honoured in 2015 when granted the Freedom of The Isle of Wight.
The Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White CB CBE JP made most of the presentations.
• British Empire Medal – Mrs Sarah Burdett BEM
Sarah Burdett, a retired teacher, has been responsible for a greater understanding of IW heritage. Most notable is her service to East Cowes Heritage Centre, for whom she has mounted some eighty exhibitions. Thousands of the public have viewed these exhibitions including school children learning about their local history.
• Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion-Claire Locke DL.
Claire Locke who was the IW High Sheriff during 2014-2015 is one of only five recipients of this award. She is currently Vice Chair of the 1851 Trust (America’s Cup) and has encouraged local students into marine industry careers.
• Isle of Wight Territorial Trust Award for Notable Achievement – Lt Col (Retd) David Langford MBE DL
David Langford MBE gave 28 years service in the regular Army and gained a reputation in the sport of Rifle Shooting at one time representing GB. He represented the Countryside Landowners Association on the Island for 14 years and was also on the council of the IW Red Cross.
• RNLI Gold Badge – Mr David Kennett
David Kennett MBE has been awarded bronze and silver RNLI medals for Gallantry in his 25 years as Coxswain of Yarmouth Lifeboat. He is now their President as well as being Vice Chair of the IW Lifeboat Board.
• Royal British Legion Award – Councillor Ian Ward
Cllr. Ian Ward is the inaugural recipient of this award for his support to past and present service personnel on and off the Island. He also led the campaign to keep a Territorial Army presence here.
Others receiving awards were:
• HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Meritorious Service Certificates – Mrs Margaret Elcome, Ryde Sea Cadets and Mrs Ann Lovejoy, Isle of Wight Squadron ATC
St John Ambulance Awards – Miss Natalie Rose (Medal of the Order), Mrs Rosemary Thirkettle (3rd Bar to Medal of the Order), Mr Derek Lammers-Wood (25 years) and Mrs Sandra Potts (25 years)
• Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Long Service Certificate – Wg Cdr John Turner (5 years), Mr Roger Spivey (5 years), Mr David Jones (10 years) and Maj Gen Martin White CB CBE JP (15 years) who was presented with his award by Fiona, his wife.
• Exemplary Service Awards – Police – Mrs Barbara Bailey (30 years Custody Visitor), Mr George Bason (45 years exemplary service), PC Lesley Metcalfe (Operation Serenity), Mr Dave Wilkins (Operation Serenity)
• HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets – Cadet Sgt Megan Rozee, Cowes College CCF, Cadet LCpl Keiran Thorne, Ryde SCC Royal Marine Cadets, Cadet Cpl Ashlee Robinson-Webb, Ryde Troop ACF, Cadet Flt Sgt Joel Hopwood, Isle of Wight Squadron ATC
At the end of the ceremony Major General Martin White, said:
“It was a pleasure to acknowledge and recognise the commitment of those who give so much to our community. I would like to congratulate all of the award winners, they should be very proud of their achievements.”
Featured photo: Michael Dunkason
