Posted on Monday 23rd June 2025
Group shot (left to right) Lord-Lieutenants Sea Cadet - Alfie Rowe, Vice Lord-Lieutenant Graham Morley DL, Chairman of the County Council, Cllr Paul Williams, Michelle Hawkins, Gifford Foote, Robert Patchett, Ann Harvey, Phillip Siddell, Simon Hawkins, LL
Six Staffordshire residents have been awarded prestigious personal Honours by His Majesty The King for their contributions to their local communities.
On 17 June, the recipients attended a special ceremony hosted by the Chairman of Staffordshire County Council at County Buildings in Stafford. Medals were presented to the winners by the Lord-Lieutenant, Sir Ian Dudson KCVO CBE, on behalf of His Majesty The King, watched by their family and friends.
The six recipients were:
· Mrs Ann Veronica Harvey - For Services to Early Years (Stoke-on-Trent)
· Mr Gifford Andrew Foote - For Services to the Community of Armitage & Handsacre (Rugeley)
· Mr Simon Hawkins - For Services to Foster Care (Burntwood)
· Mrs Michelle Hawkins - For Services to Foster Care (Burntwood)
· Mr Robert Patchett - For Services to the Community of Mease Valley (Tamworth)
· Mr Philip John Siddell - For Services to Early Years Childcare and Charitable Sectors (Burton)
Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Sir Ian Dudson said:
“Since the British Empire Medal was reintroduced in 2012 to mark our late Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, it has become a significant and much-admired part of our Honours system.
“The medal often uniquely recognises voluntary contributions at a very local community level. I am delighted that we now have another six recipients from the New Year 2025 Honours List, whose wonderful contributions have been recognised.
“I am delighted and privileged to have presented their medals on behalf of His Majesty The King. This investiture is my last before retirement as Lord-Lieutenant and since 2012 I have had the pleasure of presenting 110 Staffordshire residents with this well-deserved recognition.”
Paul Williams, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, said:
“It was a great privilege for me to host these presentations and honour these fantastic people who have done so much for our communities. They have all made invaluable contributions in their services and it was a great pleasure to see them receive such prestigious recognition from His Majesty for their hard work given over many years.”
Medal recipient Robert Patchett BEM said: "I am delighted and honoured to be awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of my services to the Mease Valley. This was made possible by the help of my wife and many friends in Clifton Campville, Haunton and the surrounding area.”
Philip Sidell BEM, recipient of the medal for his services to childcare, said:
“I’ve felt privileged to work in such a worthwhile sector with such friendly colleagues since joining Humpty Dumpty Day Nurseries, the business founded by my wife some 38 years ago.
“It was an honour in 2018 to be invited to join the Board of Trustees of the National Day Nurseries Association to share in their great work supporting those who care for the very youngest members of our society.
“I am truly humbled to receive this award in recognition of my contribution and extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all my friends and colleagues in the Early Years, Childcare and Charitable Sectors.”
The winners were announced in the 2025 New Year’s Honours lists.
More information about the awards and nomination process can be found at www.gov.uk/queens-award-for-voluntary-service/overview