Thanks to Suzanne and Alan for this update from last week’s awards ceremony. Ed
With the Royal Yacht Squadron Pavilion as the venue, Martin White, HM Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight hosted his Annual Awards.
In all, 31 people were honoured, covering 15 categories. Two new Deputy Lieutenants were commissioned – Dr Nicholas England and past High Sheriff Susie Sheldon.
First BEM awarded in eight years
For the first time in eight years since Martin White has been the Lord Lieutenant, the British Empire Medal was awarded at the annual awards ceremony.
Established in 1922 by King George V the BEM continued to be awarded until 1992 when it was discontinued, at least in the UK although it was awarded in some countries of the Commonwealth. However it was reinstated in June 2012 on the occasion of HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
On the Island there were two recipients at this time – Rosemary Mitchell from East Cowes, for her charity work with St James Church in the town, and Bembridge’s Jillie Wheeler in recognition of her charitable fundraising efforts with her dog Cassie.
The Arctic Star
Three Island men were presented with the Arctic Star, which is awarded for Service on North Atlantic convoys in WW2. Alan Emery, Ian Gordon and William Newberry were the trio at the ceremony.
Octogenarian Audrey Rann from Newport has given 37 years of outstanding voluntary service to the Red Cross on the Island. She has been a senior server since October 1998 and said she does not intend to give up volunteering yet. Audrey was honoured with her 4th Clasp to add to her Red Cross Voluntary Medical Service Medal.
Young people awarded
With over 200 Island young people actively involved with the Air Training Corps, Army Cadet Force and Sea Cadets three were singled out by the Lord Lieutenant to serve as his Cadets for the ensuing year.
They were Cadet Sergeant Buyant –Ukhaa Brouwer of the Isle of Wight (1024) Squadron, ATC; Corporal Chloe Remnant, 2 Troop Ryde Army Cadet Force and Leading Cadet Rowan Wanstall, Ryde Sea Cadets.
In summing up, the Lord Lieutenant said that he was overwhelmed by what he had seen and heard during the evening. He felt ‘Thank You’ was inadequate, but he was going to say it to all the award winners.
Other awards
Others receiving awards were:
Merchant Seafarer Medal: David Burdett / Sam Sturdy
Special Recognition: Connaught Trust- Julian Walker
Red Cross Awards: Alan Crawford/Louisa Randall/Ian Wright
Meritorious Service: Elizabeth Ann Rogers/Julian Rogers
Valuable Service: Ian Rose
Clasp to Cadet Forces Medal: Tim Fuller/Roger Spivey
Police Awards: Terry Clawson/Vivienne Dyer
Fire Service Award: Martin Poynter
Ambulance Service Award: Diana Whawell
SaBRE Awards: IW NHS Trust- Danny Fisher/ Care UK- Richard Knowles/Parlex Ltd- Ann Manning/Ryde School- Keith Dubbins
Image: © Suzanne Whitewood
