Shropshire residents named in Queen's Birthday Honours
Two Shropshire residents and five staff members from RAF Shawbury were today listed in the 2013 Queens Birthday Honours list.
Mrs Helen Purchase, 74, from Albrighton is awarded an MBE for services to the NSPCC, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and to the community in Albrighton and Donington, Shropshire.
Mr Mark Anthony Hall, 51, from Telford, is given a BEM for services to Land-Based Higher Education and to the National Vegetable Society.
Mrs Purchase became involved in the day-to-day social and pastoral activity of St Cuthbert’s Church, raising substantial monies. She has played a key role in the NSPCC for approximately 50 years as Chairman of the Wolverhampton Branch and Chairman of the Pattingham and Tettenhall District Committee. In 1989 the Wolverhampton Branch celebrated their Centenary Appeal she also became the secretary to the Appeal Committee and helped to raise over £100,000. During her service she has contributed to raising a total sum of £1m. Also during this time, she has led individual NSPCC Appeals, including the Full Stop Appeal. She joined the local Albrighton and District Committee of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as a Committee member in 1989, holding the position of Souvenir Secretary since 1990. She initiated a group that brought young mums and their infants aged 0-4 years together with older and experienced mums to provide a support and sharing network of advice, tips and guidance.
Mr Hall who is a Grounds Manager, Harper Adams University is awarded for his exemplary service to Harper Adams University College since his appointment in 1981. He manages a team of five who look after the ornamental grounds on a built estate of 18 acres, 22 acres of woodland and some of the farmland of over 800 acres. He has run a series of training programmes for students, such as hedge laying, dry stone walling and woodland management. At the Chelsea Flower Show in 2007 he represented the College by collaborating with the local authority to assemble a silver-gilt award winning show garden. He is an expert vegetable grower and undertakes voluntary work as a member of the National Vegetable Society (NVS) Executive Committee since 1991 and is currently the National Assistant Secretary and Vice Chair of the Midlands Branch. He is also a Fellow of the Society and an active participant in the organisation of its major shows.
RAF Shawbury staff on Queen's Birthday Honours list
Staff at RAF Shawbury have been honoured in the Queens Birthday Honours list 2013 with five Station personnel receiving commendations by Air Officers Commanding as part of the national list.
Squadron Leader Nigel Cross is the Chief Ground Instructor on the Defence Helicopter Flying School and is awarded a Commendation by the Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group. Nigel has been recognised for his extensive efforts as a Visiting Officer for a family following a Servicemen’s death in Afghanistan.
The other Shawbury recipients are all awarded commendations by the Air Officer Commanding No 22 (Training) Group. Flight Lieutenant Jo Owen is the Station Adjutant and is rewarded for the astute leadership and management she has demonstrated during her tour as the Stn Adjutant. Jo is also recognised for her leadership and organisation of many VIP visits to the unit and for her participation for the RAF in Canoeing.
Mr Jules D’Aubyn is a Civilian Qualified Helicopter Instructor currently employed by FBHeliservices, who is recognised for his extensive service and knowledge. Jules served for over 39 years before moving over to FB Helservices and has amassed over 11500 flying hours, including over 5000 hours instructing.
Sergeant Peter Booth is a Qualified Crewman Instructor on No 60 (R) Squadron of the Defence Helicopter Flying School. Peter is commended for his extensive efforts as the project Officer of the Virtual Reality Trainer software and equipment that is used for helicopter Rear crew training for the Multi Engine Rotary Wing Course.
Mr Ray Phillips is a Steward in the Officers’ Mess. Ray has been employed at RAF Shawbury for 15 years in a number of catering roles. Ray is rewarded for his exceptional skills and customer service.
The award winners will be presented with their commendations at a special event later in 2013.
