Honours for Devon residents
Devon’s finest were honoured by the Queen last Wednesday, 11 May, when they were presented with a British Empire Medal.
Chosen for their tireless community work and dedication, the six men and women from across the County were named in the New Year’s Honours List 2016.
They were presented with their awards by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, the Queen’s representative in the county, at an Investiture at County Hall on Wednesday 11 May.
He said: “These people are true community champions, and have been carrying out so much exceptional work to help others by fundraising, volunteering, helping the more vulnerable and bringing people together.
“It was a real honour to present them with their British Empire Medals. They fully deserve the recognition the award brings.
“They have changed their communities for the better, and I hope that the dedication and hard work they have provided to their communities will be an inspiration to all.”
The British Empire Medal is awarded for meritorious service worthy of recognition by the Crown. It marks an achievement or contribution of a very 'hands-on' service to the community in a local geographical area. This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of very local charitable and/or voluntary activity, or innovative work that has delivered real impact but that is relatively short (three to four years) in duration.
Those decorated include:
Mrs Sylvia P Ainsworth (Plymouth) for services to the Plymouth Festival of Remembrance
Mrs Glenda Frost (Cullompton) for services to the community in Willand and Cullompton
Miss Fiona Fry (Exeter) for services to Nursing
Mrs Gillian M Laws (Exmouth) for services to the Community in Exmouth
Mr Peter Twyman (Yelverton) for services to Young People and Music
Mr Ian Washburn (Saltash) for services to Devon & Somerset Fire Service
In addition The Elizabeth Cross, a commemorative emblem given to the recognised next of kin of members of the British Armed Forces killed in action, was presented to Mrs Rosemarie Hamilton-Meikle from Plymouth.
Mrs Hamilton-Meikle’s brother, Lt Alfred Hudson, was killed in action in the battle of Imjin River in Korea in 1951.
