Several Cumbrians have been named in the New Year Honours for their contribution to community life and business.
The 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.
Among those honoured in Cumbria are England Lioness Georgia Stanway, Charles Morris – the man who helped reopen the Royalty Cinema in Bowness and Nina Bale – who founded the Friends of Manna House, helping to support the homeless in Kendal.
One of Cumbria Constabulary’s longest-serving volunteers and has dedicated thousands of hours to helping others. She was integral in the setting up of Farmwatch.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria Alexander Scott said: “It’s a moment of great pride for our county to see so many Cumbrian residents recognised for their remarkable contributions to our communities.
“Being awarded an honour is a truly significant achievement, and I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients.
“I encourage everyone to think about individuals who consistently go above and beyond for others – whether through exceptional service to their community or outstanding dedication in their work.
“By nominating someone, you can help ensure their extraordinary efforts have the opportunity to be celebrated and acknowledged.”
Cumbria’s New Year Honours for 2026 are:
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- David Llewellyn Barrington, treasurer of Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team. For services to mountain rescue in Cumbria and the Lake District.
- Claire Gallery-Strong. Corporate services director, Nuclear Waste Services. For services to the nuclear industry.
- Gary McKee, of Cleator Moor. For services to charity and to the community.
- Charles David Owen Morris, of Grange-over-Sands. For services to cinema in the North of England.
- Catherine Mary Parums, of Milnthorpe. Head of remembrance events, The Royal British Legion. For services to national commemorative events.
- Georgia Marie Stanway, of Barrow. For services to association football
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Nina Bale, of Milnthorpe. Founder of the Friends of Manna House. For services to the homeless community in Kendal.
- Frances Elizabeth Hill. Caretaker, John Ruskin School, Coniston. For services to education.
- Susan Holliday, of Wigton. Special Constable, Cumbria Constabulary. For services to policing and to the community.
- Christine Marie Pattinson. Volunteer, Distington Big Local. For services to the community in Distington.
Also recognised was Dr Fiona Rayment, a board member of Nuclear Restoration Services, who was made a dame.
NRS is a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Dame Rayment joined the NRS board in December 2023 as an independent non-executive director.
Her current roles in the sector include being an advisor to the DESNZ Science and Technology Council and the Office of Nuclear Regulation Chief Nuclear Inspector’s Independent Advisory Panel.
She recently served as president of the UK Nuclear Institute, Chief Science and Technology Officer at the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, patron of Women in Nuclear UK, and was the first chair of the UK’s Nuclear Skills Strategy Group.
Former chief constable of Cumbria Constabulary Rob Carden has been awarded a King’s Police Medal.
Mr Carden, who transferred to Cumbria Constabulary in 2022 as Deputy Chief Constable and later served as Chief Constable until September, has been awarded the KPM for his commitment to policing, both regionally and nationally, throughout his career.
Mr Carden is now Chief Constable of Merseyside Police.
Anyone can nominate someone for a UK honour through the open-access system.
Honours are awarded to people from all walks of life following a rigorous process involving the Honours Committee, the Prime Minister, and final approval by The King. The process can take up to 18 months, with announcements made in the New Year and Birthday Honours lists.
For more information, visit https://cumbria-lieutenant.org.uk/honours-and-awards
