Honours presentation at Lancaster Castle

A prestigious honours ceremony will be held at Lancaster Castle to award outstanding achievements or contributions to the community.
Spring has arived...crocuses on Castle Hill outside Lancaster Castle Prison. Picture Garth HamerSpring has arived...crocuses on Castle Hill outside Lancaster Castle Prison. Picture Garth Hamer
Spring has arived...crocuses on Castle Hill outside Lancaster Castle Prison. Picture Garth Hamer

A former GP and a fire station watch manager are amongst four people to receive a BEM (British Empire Medal).

Mrs Valerie Gill, from Slyne in Lancaster, will be awarded the BEM for her services to the community in Slyne and Hest Bank.

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Since retirement, Mrs Gill has tirelessly served her local community particularly the disadvantaged and young families.

As well as being church secretary, she organises a local food bank and exercise class for those less mobile.

She has been the instigator of several church community projects and her energy and enthusiasm has made a real difference to the lives of many people in the village.

Maurice Hodgson, from Carnforth, will receive the BEM for services to fire safety.

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For the past 44 years, Mr Hodgson has served the Fire Service and is currently the Watch Manager at Bolton-le-Sands Fire Station, where he has thrived on the responsibility and has served as a hugely effective role model for his team and indeed throughout the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Hodgson is also dedicated to local good causes, has coached the youth cricket team in his village for many years and leads the youth section of his local angling club.

John Cowking from Clitheroe has made a huge contribution to music in the Hodder Valley region.

Mrs Margot Small, from Worsthorne in Burnley, will receive the BEM for her services to Children and Young People.

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Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, The Lord Shuttleworth KCVO, will be making the presentations, which were announced in The Queen’s New Year Honours List.

The Investiture will be carried out in the stunning Shire Hall by Lord Shuttleworth, who is Her Majesty’s representative in the County.

Lord Shuttleworth said: “I am delighted once more to have the privilege of presenting BEMs to Lancashire people on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.

“The four recipients have all given great service to their communities, and we are all very proud of them.”