A number of Cumbrians have been recognised for their service and dedication in the King’s Birthday honours.
The King’s Birthday Honours celebrate people from across the UK who have made exceptional contributions to public life, their professions and their communities.
The honours recognise those who have gone above and beyond in serving others and making a positive difference to society.
The following Cumbrians have been recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026:
Knight Bachelor
Professor Stephen Thurston Munby CBE for services to education
Professor Munby, who was awarded a CBE in 2010, was chief executive of the National College for School Leadership in England and then of Education Development Trust, an international education charity between 2005 and 2017.
He is now a self-employed consultant and speaker on leadership and on system reform.
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Dr Rebecca Weston FREng for services to defence
Dr Weston is enterprise director for Sellafield Ltd.
She joined the CNPA board in March 2019, representing the views and interests of Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL), before taking on the role of Industry Member representing Sellafield Ltd in April 2021.
As the enterprise director for Sellafield Ltd, Rebecca is responsible for the overall business strategy and programme development of the business, as well as the science, technical and engineering solutions and standards across the organisation.
This includes driving research and development and innovation into the challenges at Sellafield.
Rebecca joined Sellafield Ltd 15 years ago from a small manufacturing firm, after completing her engineering doctorate in partnership with industry.
She has wide experience across the business and nuclear lifecycle and has held leadership positions in operations, programmes and commercial.
Rebecca has an executive MBA, is a chartered physicist, chartered engineer and a fellow of the Institute of Physics.
She is chair of the Centre for Leadership Programme and is a board member of the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.
She represents the interests of the nuclear sector alongside her responsibilities as for all board members for delivering economic development within Cumbria.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
David George Beeby DL for services to business, economic growth and the voluntary sector in Cumbria
Mr Beeby, originally from Nottinghamshire, relocated to Cumbria in 1987 to run Smith Brothers (Whitehaven) Limited and later progressed into international roles within the owning group.
In 2004 he became CEO of Innovia Group in Wigton, overseeing major investments including a new plant to produce polymer banknote substrate for the Bank of England.
He retired in 2015, by which time the business had manufacturing sites in Wigton, Belgium, USA, Australia, and Mexico, with customers in over 100 countries.
Following its sale to CCL Industries in 2017, David became global vice chairman of CCL Secure, maintaining his involvement with the banknote substrate business.
He has held numerous charitable roles in Cumbria, including chair of the Princes Trust, member of the Calvert Trust management committee, chair of trustees of Cumbria Community Foundation, chair of the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Haverigg, and chair of the Cumbria Economic Growth Board
He is currently chair of the Enterprising Cumbria growth board.
He also chairs Cumbria CBI and serves as chairman of Aqua Power Technologies, a Cumbrian wave power firm.
He also served as High Sheriff of Cumbria from 2021 to 2022.
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Dr Amanda Hensman-Crook for services to physiotherapy
Dr Hensman-Crook, of Kendal, is a consultant MSK physiotherapist with national leadership experience in transforming primary care services.
She is PhD-qualified in transformative learning, with a strong focus on workforce transformation through education and the development of dynamic support networks.
She is recognised for shaping First Contact Practitioner models and contributing to national frameworks through Health Education England, improving access, outcomes, and system efficiency.
Dr Hensman-Crook is also the founder and former co-chair of the UK MSK Partnership Group, driving collaboration and influencing MSK strategy at scale.
A published researcher, CSP fellow, and visiting fellow at HSU, she said she was committed to innovation, professional development, and delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
Linda Minnis – for services to the charitable sector
Ms Minnis is chief executive of the Liverpool-based Charities Trust, a role she has held since 2010.
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Brenda Couzens for voluntary service to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
Mrs Couzens, former chair of the Penrith RNLI Fundraising Branch, has devoted more than 28 years to supporting the RNLI’s mission to save lives at sea.
Over nearly three decades, Brenda has taken on a variety of roles within the branch, including committee member and branch secretary, helping to raise thousands of pounds to support RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards.
In 2004, Brenda became chair of the Penrith RNLI Fundraising Branch, a role she held with dedication and commitment until her retirement at the end of last year.
Dani Beckett, RNLI community manager for the Cumbria area, said: “Brenda’s commitment over nearly 30 years has made a lasting impact on the RNLI.
“It’s not just our frontline lifeboat crew and lifeguards who save lives at sea, without the incredible effort of dedicated fundraisers like Brenda, our crews could not train and launch to those in need.
“We are incredibly grateful for her dedication and are delighted to see her recognised with this honour.”
Eight RNLI volunteers and staff across the country, including Brenda, have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Peter Sparks, RNLI chief executive said: “I am always astounded by the dedication of our volunteers and staff and these eight are testament to the commitment demonstrated by so many of our people.
“Whatever their role, they are all lifesavers and the RNLI couldn’t do what we do without them powering our frontline services with passion, talent and kindness.
“My heartfelt congratulations to these eight honours recipients, and as we enter our peak summer season, my thanks go to the thousands of volunteers who give their time so generously to the RNLI.”
Ernest George Fallowfield for services to tourism
Mr Fallowfield is a director of Windermere Lake Cruises, Windermere Iron Steamboat Company, Windermere Boating Company, Winander Group Holdings, Winander Lesiure Ltd, and Bowness Bay Boating.
George Michael Dodd for services to rowing
How do I nominate someone for an honour?
Anyone can nominate an individual for an honour through the UK’s open nomination process.
The Honours System depends upon public nominations, and members of the public are encouraged to put forward individuals whose exceptional service, dedication and achievements deserve national recognition.
Nominations are considered through a rigorous and independent assessment process involving specialist Honours Committees, ministerial scrutiny, the Prime Minister and final approval by the King.
The process can take up to 18 months from nomination to announcement, with recipients recognised in either the New Year Honours List or The King’s Birthday Honours List.
Nomination guidance and application forms are available through the Cumbria Lieutenancy website.
Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott, said: “It is a source of immense pride for our county to see so many Cumbrians recognised for their remarkable contributions to society.
“These honours reflect years of dedication, commitment and service, often carried out quietly and without expectation of recognition.
“On behalf of the people of Cumbria, I offer my warmest congratulations to all those honoured.
“Their achievements inspire us all and demonstrate the extraordinary impact individuals can have within their communities, professions and across wider society.
“I would encourage everyone to consider nominating those people who consistently go above and beyond for others.
“The Honours System provides an opportunity to recognise exceptional service and ensure that outstanding individuals receive the national recognition they deserve.”
