Six Isle of Wight residents and another three who have served the Isle of Wight community, have been awarded honours for extraordinary service to their communities.
HM The King’s first Official Birthday Honours List includes recipients who have contributed significant amounts of service to their local communities and the country as a whole.
Many have been awarded for voluntary work – going above and beyond to help others, while asking for little recognition in return.
Isle of Wight awards
See below for Island recipients of the awards.
Dr Sarah Knight, Behavioural Scientist, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Ministry of Defence was awarded an OBE for services to the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (Isle of Wight)
Hartley: The award is the result of the work of many hands
Nigel Hartley who is Chief Executive Officer, Mountbatten Hospice Group, Isle of Wight and Hampshire has been awarded an MBE for services to Hospice Care.
Nigel joined Mountbatten Isle of Wight as CEO eight years ago and in 2019 also took charge of Mountbatten Hampshire in Southampton following a new partnership between the organisations.
“I am delighted and humbled to receive this award and it is a testament to everything my Mountbatten colleagues and myself continue to achieve together, developing and delivering relevant and sustainable 24/7 services for the communities we are here to serve.
“The award is the result of the work of many hands and I accept it on behalf of all Mountbatten staff, volunteers and supporters who continue to be an inspiration to me.”
Cooking up recognition
Chef Robert Thompson was award an MBE for services to Hospitality, to Tourism and to Charity.
Robert told News OnTheWight,
“Completely humbled and honoured with the news I received a few weeks ago. Since the age of thirteen I’ve been fortunate enough to live my passion for cooking and now, for the last eight years, run my own restaurant on the stunningly beautiful Isle of Wight.
“I feel blessed to have such a hardworking and dedicated team behind me. And of course, a following of guests who have supported me throughout.
“Having my own restaurant has given me the opportunities to support many of our fantastic local charities, and I look forward to continue this in line with our ethos of giving back wherever possible.”
Readers will remember Thompsons received a visit from His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex in October 2020.
It gave Robert the opportunity to show how Thompson’s restaurant in Newport had diversified since the onset of Covid-19 and how UBChef – a home delivery service – had been developed.
Former Chairman of Chale Parish Council, Ron Groves, was awarded an BEM for services to the community in Chale.
Services to nature
News OnTheWight contributor, Angela Hewitt, who is the Founder Trustee of Naturezones was also awarded a BEM for services to Nature Conservation and Education.
Angela told News OnTheWight,
“I am shocked and for once – speechless and a little emotional”.
Jacqueline Wilson, the Founder, Save Our Hedgehogs was awarded a BEM for services to Wildlife Rehabilitation.
Other Island-related awards
Former Chief Constable, for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Olivia Pinkney QPM is awarded a CBE for services to Policing.
OBE – Former Director of Adult Social Services at Isle of Wight Council and Trustee, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, Dr Carol Tozer awarded an OBE for services to Social Care (She is now based in Bodmin, Cornwall).
Karen Farr who is based in Eastleigh, Hampshire, Children and Young Persons Manager, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is awarded an MBE for services to Young People and to Public Safety.
Article edit
8am 17th Jun 2023 – Photo and comment from AH added
Image: Brett Garwood under CC BY 2.0
