The hard work and devotion of many unsung heroes in Shrewsbury and its surrounding area has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours List released last weekend.
Their efforts in the community are often overshadowed – but now a number of local people have had their efforts acknowledged, and will get to rub shoulders with celebrities, politicians and business leaders.
Roger Wilson CBE.
Roger Wilson, who lives near Church Stretton, has been made a CBE for services to health care after he founded Sarcoma UK, a charity which funds research into the rare cancer.
It was founded by Mr Wilson and his wife Sheelagh in 2003 just four years after he was diagnosed with a cancer of the connective tissue, a soft tissue sarcoma. He had surgery and chemotherapy, and later his lower left leg was amputated.
Mr Wilson is due to have more surgery this month after being diagnosed with another tumour, and said he was “humbled” by the honour.
He said: “I’ve made some very good friends through it and lost some very good friends. We’ve met people who’ve done some very good work under the name of the charity and that’s wonderful to see.”
Paul Francis Harris, operations director for Telford-based firm Makita Manufacturing Europe Ltd, is to receive the OBE for his services to international trade.
Mr Harris, who lives in Shrewsbury, said: “It was very humbling and I still find it hard to believe.”
Bronwen Evans, who has served as general secretary to the Minsterley and District Eisteddfod for 24 years, was left in “shock” after being awarded an MBE in the honours list.
Bronwen Evans MBE.
The grandmother-of-five, of Plox Green Road in Minsterley, said: “It’s been a heck of a shock and the only thing I feel is that I’m receiving it on behalf of the organising committee.”
She said she had “no idea” who had nominated her for the award and that it could provide a boost for the entire event, which will celebrate its half centenary in 2012.
“I suppose it will be a boost in a way and it’s recognition of the event itself being held in Minsterley,” she added.
And staff at RAF Shawbury also began 2011 with a spring in their step after receiving New Year’s honours in recognition of their exceptional contributions and work at the airbase and in support of RAF Operations worldwide.
Medal
Flight Sergeant Colin Heath, the senior instructor on trade training flight at the Central Air Traffic Control School, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
Meanwhile, Flight Lieutenant Mike Castle, a qualified helicopter instructor at the RAF Valley based Defence Helicopter Flying School Search and Rescue Training Unit (SARTU), has been awarded with Commander in Chief (Air Command).
Flight Lieutenant Stu Gerrard, Flight Sergeant Barry Taylor and a team for the Ground Training Flight of the Central Air Traffic Control School have been awarded Air Officer Commanding (22 Training Group) commendations in the list.
Flight Lieutenant Gerrard is a training manager. He has responsibility for all flight operations, officer and assistant training, the management of staff personal issues, and the development of training across the school.
Flight Sergeant Taylor is a qualified helicopter crewmen instructor.
The team award went to the Ground Training Flight of the Central Air Traffic Control School.
Flight Lieutenant Iain Eaton, along with Warrant Officers Tony Ashwood, Steve Bate and Ian Durrant, will be rewarded for their excellence in training delivery, facilitation of change and charitable endeavours.
by David Seadon