THE Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, presented British Empire Medals (BEMs) to nine Essex residents on Friday 23 May at County Hall in Chelmsford. In congratulating the new medallists Mrs Tolhurst praised their inspirational devotion to their local communities, saying: “It is a reminder of what a positive impact an individual can have on those around them, by giving selflessly of their time and talents to help others.”

The BEM is principally awarded for service to the community over a long period, and this was very much in evidence among these nine people who had been recognised in The King’s New Year Honours List for 2025.

For example, Margaret Lines moved to Hatfield Heath in 1966 and since then has made an enormous contribution to village life through her many voluntary roles, including running the village playgroup for over thirty years. Alan Frost has supported practically every voluntary activity in his village of Abberton and Langenhoe, either financially or by giving his time, for over forty years. Jackie Pell served her local community in Halstead for a similar length of time, including three terms as mayor.

Others were recognised for specific projects, such as Mike Davies whose passion for the history of Rayleigh led to his being the driving force behind the setting up of the town’s museum, which opened in 2016 and has since attracted at least 43,000 visitors. Michael Keogh of Hutton Village has been involved with the Springfield Youth Club in Hackney since the age of 11, first as a member before joining the staff and the committee; he has now been deputy chair, director and trustee for over 25 years. Paul Hannaford, who now lives in Brentwood, has devoted his life since 2009 to visiting schools to warn young people, their parents and teachers of the dangers of drug-taking and gang culture, based on his own experience as a teenager which left him with a string of criminal convictions and life-changing injuries.

Louise Lees-Barrett, a physiotherapist and Riding for the Disabled instructor from Brentwood, was honoured for her work with REACH, a charity she set up in 2014 which specialises in equine-assisted therapy, using horses in the treatment of adults and children with a range of disorders and disabilities. Kenneth Cowen, of Little Hallingbury, is the CEO of The School of Hard Knocks, a charity he established in 2009 to help vulnerable young people by running courses based on the sport of rugby.

The oldest recipient was John Polley, who has been a member of the Boxted Methodist Silver Band for over 80 years, including 35 years as band sergeant. In the 1960s membership of the band fell to just seven players, but John ensured that it recovered to its present strength, and the band remains a great source of pride locally. His fellow bandsmen turned out to entertain medallists and their guests before the ceremony and they also played the National Anthem at its conclusion.

In presenting the medals Mrs Tolhurst paid tribute to the medallists’ many and varied achievements. ‘It is wonderful that these nine people have been honoured by The King in this way, and I would encourage anyone who knows of others who have similarly gone out of their way to help their fellow citizens to nominate them for an honour too.’