King's Birthday Honours Recognise Buckinghamshire Achievers

A number of Buckinghamshire residents and community leaders have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours for their outstanding contributions to public life, education, charity, healthcare, music and justice.

His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, The Countess Howe, congratulated those honoured, saying:

"We are privileged to be home to diverse and gifted individuals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others. It affords me immense pride that their achievements have been recognised."

Among those receiving a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) is Professor Joanna Cannon from Amersham, Professor Emerita at The Courtauld Institute of Art, honoured for services to art curation and research. Also receiving a CBE is Anne Eden of Amersham, Regional Director for South East NHS England, recognised for her services to the NHS.

Beaconsfield resident Neil Heslop, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, has been awarded a CBE for services to philanthropy and charity, while Annabel Ruth McKeon of High Wycombe receives a CBE for services to the administration of justice through her work as Director of Strategy, Development and Change at HM Courts and Tribunals Service.

Several Buckinghamshire figures have been awarded Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). They include broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews of Bourne End for services to music, Andrew Charles Routley of Aylesbury, Governor of HM Prison Huntercombe and former Deputy Governor of HM Prison Aylesbury, for public service, Mary Elizabeth Tuckett of Buckingham for services to the criminal justice system, and Aileen Evans, former Chief Executive of Grand Union Housing Group, for services to social housing.

Further recognition comes with Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) awards. Nicola Jane Ellis, Assistant Principal for Student Engagement and Support at Buckinghamshire College Group in Aylesbury, receives an MBE for services to further education. Sally Elizabeth Alexander, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Milton Keynes College Group, is also honoured with an MBE for services to further education.

Technology entrepreneur Olubukola Moyo Babajide, founder of Crystal Options Ltd, receives an MBE for services to technology, business and inclusion. Also recognised with MBEs are philanthropist Leah Rani Chowdhry for services to charitable fundraising; Nuala Anne Fox, Trustee of the London and Slough Charitable Trust, for services to homeless people; Diane Joan Redfern, Chair of South Bucks Riding for the Disabled Group, for services to disabled riders; Dr Nadeem Hasan Rizvi for services to industrial laser applications in manufacturing; and Shirley Ann Tovell for services to Parliament.

Deborah Lewis, founder of Covid19FamiliesUK, has been recognised for her work supporting bereaved families, receiving an MBE for services to bereavement support.

Two Buckinghamshire residents have also been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM). Jane Anne Larkham has been recognised for services to the community in Wendover, while Darren James Ward receives the honour for charitable service, particularly his support of Birmingham Children's Hospital.

The honours recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their professions and communities, with Buckinghamshire strongly represented across this year's list. Recipients come from a broad range of sectors including healthcare, education, justice, charity, business, manufacturing, music and community volunteering.

In total, Buckinghamshire's Birthday Honours recipients include four CBEs, four OBEs, nine MBEs and two BEM award winners, highlighting the remarkable contribution made by people across the county to local and national life.