Lancastrians Honoured at Lancaster Castle
**Issued on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant's office**
The historic and majestic surroundings of Lancaster Castle will host a prestigious Honours ceremony on Friday 26 September.
Recipients will receive a BEM (Medallist of the Order of the British Empire). The BEM rewards an achievement or contribution of a very 'hands-on' service to the community in a local geographical area.
Lord Shuttleworth KCVO, the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, will be making the presentations, which were announced in The Queen's Birthday Honours List.
The Investiture will be carried out by Lord Shuttleworth in his role as Her Majesty's representative in Lancashire.
The ceremony takes place in the stunning Shire Hall ! on Friday 26 September at 6:30pm.
Lord Shuttleworth said: "It is an honour and a privilege to present these awards on behalf of HM The Queen to people who have made a marvellous contribution to their community."
The recipients will be:
* Miss Ethel Dobbins, from Thornton Cleveleys, for services to the community in Thornton Cleveleys. Despite her age of 99, Miss Dobbins sits on the committee of two local groups and is a member of a further three. She is well-known in the local area and actively involves herself with new ideas and projects. She is an inspiration to many people.
* Mrs Margaret Duff, from Croston, for services to veterans. Mrs Duff has worked tirelessly for the RAF Association organising events such as the Woodford Air Show which raised over £1m for the NW area of the Association and which resulted in her being awarded a National Presidential Certificate.
* Clifford Kenyon, from Ormskirk, for servic! es to the community in Haskayne. For over 40 years, Mr Kenyon has made an enormous difference to his local community, in particular, his commitment to the Haskayne & Downholland Community Association and the local Church of England school. He regularly gives up his free time whenever and wherever possible.
* Mrs Joy Mills, from Leyland, for services to the local community in Leyland. Mrs Mills spent her working life in the field of social care and now volunteers her time, musical talents and financial resources tirelessly for charities and local organisations, and has raised over £110,000 for Derian House Children's Hospice.
* Mrs Mary Pickles, from Burnley, for services to the community in Burnley. For over 20 years, Mrs Pickles has been working and helping young people in the local area. She became a key figure in Gateway – an organisation for people with disabilities – as well as being involved with The Prison Fellowship and tirelessly help! s those in need on the streets of Burnley at night.
The other Lancashire BEM recipient is Mr James Eaton, from Bacup. He will receive his Honour at a separate ceremony.
Mr Eaton receives his award for charitable services in Rossendale. He has improved the quality of life for thousands of people by raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity. His efforts, commitment and hard work raising funds for local causes have been outstanding.
About the British Empire Medal (BEM):
The BEM rewards an achievement or contribution of a 'hands-on' service to the community in a local geographical area.
This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of local charitable and/or voluntary activity, or innovative work that has delivered real impact.
At all levels, awards illuminate areas of dedicated service which merit public recognition.