Lancaster and Morecambe recipients recognised in Queen’s birthday honours

Two members from Lancaster’s community fibre broadband project Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN) will be given an MBE.

Barry Forde is CEO of B4RN and his award is for his work in establishing rural broadband across Lancaster and for the impact B4RN has had on the isolated rural communities.

Chris Conder has been awarded an MBE for her work across a range of community efforts, including B4RN.

Mrs Harsha Yashwant Kumar Shukla, from Standen Park, Lancaster, is being recognised for her role as chair of the Lancaster and Morecambe Hindu Society and chair of the Lancaster District Communities Together Group.

The 57-year-old has spent a decade passionately promoting the integration of the Hindu community into the life of the Lancaster district.

She has helped integrate Holi and Diwali festivals into the civic calendar, introducing various communities in Lancaster to Hindu customs.

Mr Harold Christopher and Mrs Christine Ann Gregoire, from Whitendale Drive, Carnforth, will be honoured for their services to children and families as foster carers.

They have been foster carers for Lancashire County Council and an independent fostering agency for the last 29 years, caring for more than 200 children of different ages and backgrounds.

They have cared for babies, children with attachment difficulties, children disclosing sexual abuse and young adults with behavioural problems.

Ms Sam Moi Chan, from Queen Street, Morecambe, is also being honoured as an MBE.

The Queen celebrates two birthdays each year: her actual birthday on April 21 and her official birthday on a Saturday in June.