A NUMBER of borough residents have been named in the New Year Honours list for 2021, recognising their work for charity and the country.
Across the Commonwealth, 1,239 people have been awarded an honour, and the Government says that nearly two-thirds of recipients have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity.
They added that this is the most ethnically diverse honours list, with 14.2% of recipients from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background. The list also includes public sector workers including firefighters, NHS staff, teachers and police officers.
They include Constable Philip Hanham, an executive support officer from Thames Valley Police, who receives the Queen’s Police Medal, and Trevor Ferguson, the chief fire officer from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
PC Hanham works with the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, and his honour is in recognition of his service to the force, including his work as a family liaison officer.
He established the Road Death Memorial Service within the Thames Valley in order to offer further support to numerous bereaved families since its inception.
Chief Constable John Campbell, said: “I am delighted to see PC Hanham recognised for his outstanding work for Thames Valley Police. Through his tireless work and dedication to his job, he has impacted so many people’s lives for the better.
“His work as a family liaison officer has been significant, and he has played a key role in supporting the families of Thames Valley Police officers who have tragically been killed on duty, including PC Andrew Harper, PC James Dixon, PC Daniel Clayton-Drabble and PC Kevin Flint.
PC Hanham said: “It is a huge honour to be awarded the Queen’s Police Medal.
“I am proud to accept the award today to recognise my achievements but mention must go to my family, and in particular my wife Caroline who have been the source of wonderful support during my career.”
Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ferguson has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service (QFSM) for services to the fire and rescue sector.
He said: “It is a privilege to accept the Queen’s Fire Service Medal in recognition of the diligent work of the team at Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“Since I joined the Service in 2014, the team have been working tirelessly to ensure that we provide the high-quality, trusted public service the residents of Berkshire deserve. In accepting the QFSM, I do so on behalf of all the amazing public servants at RBFA and RBFRS.”
Two youth group leaders have been awarded MBEs.
Norman Boxall, who has been involved with the Scouting movement as well as Boys’ Brigade, has been recognised for his voluntary service to young people. The 83-year-old has been a Scout since he was eight, and helps lead a troop in Lower Earley.
And one of the leaders of the 1st Wargrave Girlguiding unit has also been recognised for her work with the movement.
Tamsin Phipps, from Wargrave, was also given the MBE for her water works: she has chaired the Kennet & Avon Waterways Partnership since February 2013, and helped promote canoeing within the Canal & River Trust.
It’s not the only accolade she has received: in March last year, she received the Sue Ryder Woman of Outstanding Achievement Award.
Wokingham-based George Royle, a head of delivery for HMRC, has been awarded an MBE for his public service.
Nichola Hay, from Yateley, is the chief operating director of Estio Training and has been awarded an MBE for his services to apprenticeships and charity.
Richard Thomas, from Finchampstead, received an MBE for his services to Healthcare and to the community in South Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
Patricia Jane Pease, who is associate Chief Nurse for Safeguarding, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities at the Royal Berkshire Healthcare Trust, received an MBE for services to Nursing, Children, Young People and Safeguarding particularly during the Covid-19 Response.
And there is an MBE for Jim Trott, the founder and executive director of Wokingham-based charity Brass For Africa, which works in three countries bring lessons and instruments to more than 1,000 children and young people.
Earlier this year, the charity received £1,000 from specialist insurer Ecclesiastical, as part of its Movement for Good awards.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “In a year when so many have made sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people’s lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours today are a welcome reminder of the strength of human spirit, and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion.
“The 2021 New Year Honours offer us an opportunity to salute their dedication and recognise many who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to our country.”
