A number of Cumbrians have been recognised for their work in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
This year – the first honours handed out by King Charles III since his coronation – includes Cumbrian charity workers, the outgoing chief constable of Cumbria and a woman who co-ordinated Sellafield Ltd’s coronavirus test and trace facility, which was the first non-NHS testing facility to open in the UK.
Lynn Willis, who has worked at Sellafield for 33 years, helped set up the facility in May 2020.
Earlier in her career Lynn was also instrumental in making changes to site security arrangements which have allowed the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) to concentrate on counter terrorism.
Key changes included Lynn implementing a 2012 contract with a civilian security organisation to replace CNC in operating security checks at site entrance points.
Lynn said: “I was completely blown away when I was told I was going to get the honour. To be on the King’s list for the first time since the Coronation makes it even more special.
“Even though it’s my name next to the award, in my heart I’m sharing this with all the people I’ve worked with to deliver the things I have. There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’ and none of this would have been possible without the help and support of colleagues.”
Martin Chown, chief executive of Sellafield Ltd, said: ““Lynn’s contribution in helping keep the Sellafield site safe and secure is also part of the vital work done day-in, day-out by every single nuclear professional working at Sellafield.”
They join Ken Bruce, Davina McCall and Ian Wright to be among those handed honours.
The list marks the King’s official birthday in June. His actual birthday is in November.
The tradition dates back to 1748, when King George II wanted to celebrate his birthday with a large celebration when it was warmer.
The late Queen initially marked her official birthday on the second Thursday of June, the same day as her father, King George VI. However, she changed it to the second Saturday of June in 1959, seven years into her reign.
King Charles III has kept the same date for his official celebration.
Honours for Cumbria
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Philip Michael Cook, of Carlisle. Lately chief executive and group principal of Education Training Collective, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham. For services to further education.
- Lisa Anne Crausby, of Brampton. Executive director, Star Academies, Blackburn, Lancashire. For services to education.
- Jonathon Hugh Christopher Saxton, known as Joe Saxton, of Keswick. Founder, nfpSynergy and founder, CharityComms and chair, PTA UK/Parentkind. For services to the charitable sector.
- Michelle Skeer QPM. Chief Constable, Cumbria police. For services to policing.
- Dr Rex Strong, of Wigton, head of regulatory integration, Sellafield Ltd. For services to the civil nuclear industry.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Gareth Boswell Browning, of Cockermouth. Beat forester, Forestry England. For services to forestry and nature recovery.
- Paul Stuart Ethell, HR director, BAE Systems Submarines. For services to the defence industry and to the community in Barrow.
- Caroline Marie Hamilton, of Wigton. Chief executive, Safety Assessment Federation. For services to business and to engineering.
- Barbara Ann Johnson, of Barrow. Director of nursing, Risedale Estates Ltd. For services to social care.
- Lynn Willis, of Whitehaven. Operations manager, Sellafield Ltd. For services to business.
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Claudia Helen Walker, of Keswick. Member, group executive committee, 1st Keswick Scout Group. For services to young people in Cumbria.
- Eleanor Walsh, of Cockermouth. Swimming coach. For services to swimming and to the community in Cockermouth.
