Six Worcestershire residents receive National Honours in The King’s Birthday Honours List

The county residents, have all been recognised for the outstanding contribution they make in their area of expertise.

Mrs Beatrice Grant, Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire said: “Each year, The King recognises the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life, and all ages, within our communities. These are people who really make a difference to the lives of those around them, either voluntarily or in their field of work.  I send my sincere congratulations to the six outstanding local individuals who have been honoured.”

Anyone can nominate someone to receive a National Honour. The honours system recognises people who have made achievements in public life and committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.

Mr Clifford Robson, from Evesham, has been recognised for services to the Defence Industry.

Mr Robson said: “It is an honour and a pleasure to receive this award in the King’s Honours List. Being recognised for work and an industry that I feel so passionate about means a great deal to me. 

“The UK’s sovereign defence capabilities are essential for the security of the nation. “We should feel proud of the significant contribution the industry makes to prosperity and our local communities while doing our vital work to support our Armed Forces.

“I am extremely proud to have played a part in maintaining and developing these capabilities for the next generation.

“None of this would have been possible without the fantastic colleagues, customers and partners I have worked with over the last 40 years and of course the support of my family.”

Professor Joanne Smith (Norton), from Kempsey is a Professor of Early Intervention and Psychosis at University of Worcester. 

She has been recognised with an OBE for services to Higher Education and student suicide prevention and response. 

On receiving notice of her honours, she said: “I was so touched and honoured to be nominated and awarded an OBE for my work in student suicide prevention over the last decade. I would like to thank many colleagues who helped to progress our 'Suicide Safer' Initiative locally at the University of Worcester and those who have worked with me at a national level to produce better data, research and guidance to improve awareness and practice in efforts to prevent further student deaths in Higher and Further Education.”

Ms Suzanne Oldnall, from Kempsey, is awarded a BEM for service to Victims of Domestic Abuse. 

Suzanne said: “I am both honoured and humbled to have received such a prestigious award in recognition of my work with victims of domestic abuse.  I will continue in my quest to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the devastating impact it has on, often vulnerable victims and their children.

 

I would like to think that this award represents victims and gives them the  strength to say, “enough is enough” and reach out for help to the amazing Agencies within the Worcestershire area, to ultimately achieve a safer life.”

Ms Lisa Ventura has received an MBE for services to Cybersecurity and diversity and inclusion.

Royston Starkey has received a BEM for Mineralogy.

A CBE has also been awarded to Dr Susan Ibbotson for services to Public Health.

For more information, on nominating someone to receive an honour, please visit the dedicated Honours page from the GOV.UK website.