Achievements of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes celebrated at Investiture Ceremony

First announced in the 2023 New Year Honours list, 7 people from across the county were honoured at investiture ceremonies at Penn House near Amersham last week.

The special ceremonies marked the first presentations of British Empire Medals (BEM) during the reign of King Charles III.

The presentations were made by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, The Countess Howe.

The recipients were:

• Martin Andrew; for services to the community in Aylesbury, particularly during Covid-19
• Saera Carter; for services to the community in Stoke Poges
• David Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Milton Keynes Parks Trust; for services to the Environment and to the community in Milton Keynes
• Rosemary Higgs; for services to charity and the community in Little Missenden
• Louisa Hobbs; for services to the community in Milton Keynes during COVID-19
• Jagraj Singh; for services to Charitable Fundraising and to the community in Cranford, London Borough of Hounslow
• Alan Williams; for services to the community in Edlesborough

Also presented with their medal was Paresh Jethwa, co-founder of Community Response Kitchen was one of the final recipients of the Honorary BEM approved by The late Queen for services to the community in the London Borough of Hendon during COVID-19.

Lady Howe said, "Making the presentations of the British Empire Medals on behalf of The King is one of the duties delegated to Lord-Lieutenants nationwide. It is an absolute joy to carry out this duty on behalf of His Majesty and poignantly The late Queen.

"To hear about the dedication of our most committed residents is so inspiring and to be able to meet each one of them, with their families and friends and hear about their own personal causes is one of the highlights of my role. It is humbling to hear about the incredible work that goes on in our communities. The recipients are without a doubt our unsung heroes and an example to all about the value of community involvement. My heartfelt congratulations go to them all."