The New Year’s Honours List for 2023 has been announced and includes twelve Bedfordshire recipients. Those who have been successful are as follows:

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Dr Ramesh MEHTA

President, British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin

For services to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

(Bedford)

Members of the Order of the British Empire(MBE)

Ms Claire BELL

Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, EnvironmentAgency

For services to Gender Equality in theWorkplace

(Central Bedfordshire)

Mr Christopher CURTIS

For services to the Youth in Luton,Bedfordshire

(Luton)

Ms Jane GURNEY

Founder, Tilly Your Trailer Campaign

For services to the Agricultural Community

(Central Bedfordshire)

Mrs Betsey LAU-ROBINSON

Head of Adult Safeguarding and the MentalHealth Capacity Act, University College, London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

For services to Patient Safeguarding

(Bedford)

Mr Christopher LONG

Founder and Director of Earth dive and Chair of Putteridge Swimming Club

For services to Marine Conservation, to Charity and to Sport

(Central Bedfordshire)

Mr James PHARAOH

Founder and Director, Bedford Fringe Festival

For services to the Arts and to the Community in Bedford, Bedfordshire

(Bedford)

Mr Abdul QAZI

Imam and Founder, Jamia Islamia Ghousia Trust

For services to the Community in Luton

(Luton)

Mrs Patricia WRIGHT

Lately Director of Access and Inclusion, Haringey Learning Partnership, London Borough of Haringey

For services to Education

(Bedford)

Medallists of the Order of the BritishEmpire (BEM)

Mrs Karen EASTON

Community Volunteer, Shefford GreenspaceConservation Group

For services to the Community in Shefford,Bedfordshire

(Central Bedfordshire)

Mr Kevin STARK

Chief Executive, Bedford Training Group

For services to Young People, to MartialArts and to the Community in Bedfordshire

(Bedford)

Mr Brian Woodward

Councillor, Maulden Parish Council, Bedfordshire

For services to Local Government and to the Community in Bedfordshire

(Central Bedfordshire)

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada said “I am proud and delighted that so many people living in Bedfordshire have been recognised by His Majesty The King. These medals are only awarded to those who have achieved something outstanding in public life, or who have selflessly improved the lives of others within their local community or nationally. I would like to congratulate the mall on receiving their awards”.

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