Several Cumbrians have been named in the King’s New Year Honours List.
Michelin starred chef Simon Rogan, mountain rescue team leader, a Cumbrian regeneration chief, a sporting star and sports coach are among those who have been handed prestigious accolades.
The honours system gives national recognition to people who have given exceptional service in public and community life and are committed to making a difference to those around them.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott has congratulated those named.
He said: “It is a very proud moment for our county that so many Cumbrian residents have been recognised for their contributions to our communities. To be awarded an Honour is a huge achievement and I would like to congratulate them all.
“I would encourage people to think about someone that they know who always goes the extra mile for others and who has made an outstanding contribution to their community or to their area of work over the years. Anyone can nominate a person for an honour, and I am very keen for people who have given exceptional service to receive the recognition they deserve.”
The Cumbrian awards are as follows:
Officers of the Order of the British Empire – OBE
- Joshua MacAlister for services for vulnerable children. Mr MacAlister led a ‘once in a generation’ review into children’s services and spoke at the House of Lords
Members of the Order of the British Empire – MBE
- Judith Anne Godden for services to the community in Westmorland and Lonsdale, Cumbria.
- Helen Housby for services to netball. The Carlisle-born athlete has 50 caps and several international honours. This year, for the first time since 1995, England became the first team other than the top two nations, Australia and New Zealand, to reach a Netball World Cup final.
- Penny Kirby, team leader of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, for services to mountain rescue in the Lake District.
- Elsie Barbara Martlew for political and public service.
- Rebecca Robson for services to victims of domestic abuse.
- Simon Rogan, chef, for services to the food industry.
- Karen Shepperson for services to education.
- Peter Buchan, Nuclear Transport Solutions managing director of shipping, for services to the nuclear industry and young people.
Medallist of the Order of the British Empire – BEM
- Sean Balmer, of Cockermouth Swimming Club, for services to swimming in Cumbria. John Walsh caught up with Sean earlier this year – read his interview here
- Melanie Jane Gardner, fine and decorative arts curator for services to the arts and culture in Cumbria.
- Peter William Garwood for services in the Community in Barrow.
- Graham Walter Hundley for voluntary service to the British Red Cross.
- Jane Elizabeth Morris-Eyton for services to the community in Bootle.
- Michelle Louise Pearse, chair of Changing Lives Learning Trust in West Cumbria, for services to education and the community in West Cumbria.
- Captain Michael Neville Pemberton, chief executive of BEC, for services to regeneration and to the community in Cumbria.
