Five outstanding Staffordshire residents have been awarded the prestigious British Empire Medal in recognition of their years of dedicated community service. Phillip John Charles, Richard Graham Hill, Russell David Clark, Joan Catherine Fairley and Susan Jane Bohanan received their medals at a special ceremony held at County Buildings in Stafford on Wednesday. The awards were presented by the Lord-Lieutenant Professor Liz Barnes on behalf of His Majesty the King.
The recipients travelled to Stafford to be honoured in front of family and friends. Their recognition spans a range of contributions to local communities, including charity work, support for higher education, assistance for vulnerable people and help for refugees. The ceremony celebrated the diverse ways these Stafford residents have made a difference to the lives of others around them.
Russell Clark, who works at Keele University's Language Centre, said his award recognises the collective efforts of colleagues helping vulnerable people integrate into society. Joan Fairley paid tribute to her family, church and the volunteers at St Giles Hospice, highlighting her work supporting Ukrainian refugees and those fighting in the trenches.
The ceremony also marked a historic moment for Staffordshire with the presentation of the first Elizabeth Emblem awarded in the county. Valarie Ann Sims received the honour, which commemorates her late husband Sub Officer George Barrett, a firefighter who was killed in the line of duty in 1976.