Local people recognised in the King's New Year Honours List
A number of local people have been recognised in the New Year Honours List 2023, which marks the public service of individuals across the UK.
This year's recipients include Reading West MP Alok Sharma and the Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, as well as those who work within the MOD, local villages, education and charities.
They join key members of the England Lionesses football team, who are also honoured after their outstanding performance in the summer. Squad captain Leah Williamson is appointed an OBE, while star player Lucy Bronze, golden boot Beth Mead, and England women's top international goal scorer Ellen White are all appointed MBEs.
Local people honoured include:
KCMG – Knight Commander
Reading West MP Alok Sharma and president of COP26 (the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties). For services to tackling climate change.
The Royal Victorian Order – CVO
James Henry Lavallin Puxley, Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire. From Welford
CBE
Paul David Taylor FREng. Lately science and technology adviser, Ministry of Defence – for public service. From Newbury
OBE
Jonathan William Welfare. Chair of Gingerbread and founder of Turn2Us, for services to charity and to disadvantaged people. From Hungerford
James Hepburne Scott, Pewsey
Catherine Spricer, Pewsey
MBE
Mary Elizabeth Davies. Chief executive officer of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, for services to education. From Newbury
Alicia Harper, Wallingford, Harper's Law
Kim James, Wantage
Zoe Bowden, Wantage
BEM
Erica Joan Tipton, for services to charity and to the community in Newbury. From Bucklebury
Sarah Brewis, Head of Woodborough Primary School, Pewsey
Polly Cox, Great Bedwyn, Services to Shalborne
The youngest recipient in the list is 18-year-old Dara Seamus McAnulty who receives a BEM for his environmental work and for his work with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
There are a total of 1,107 people on the main list, including 955 candidates selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level – 305 at BEM, 431 at MBE, and 219 at OBE.
A total of 60 per cent – or 673 – of the recipients are people who are recognised primarily for have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or charitable capacity.
Half of those recognised – or 548 – are women.
Please let us know if you have been recognised in this year's list. Email us at newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk