They were awarded the British Empire Medal earlier this year and each received their medal on Friday, 23 September, at County Hall, Northallerton, from Mr Barry Dodd CBE, The Queen’s Representative, The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, supported by Vice Lord-Lieutenant Mr Peter Scrope and Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Mr David Kerfoot MBE.
The British Empire Medal is awarded for sustained and notable contribution to the community.
The Lord-Lieutenant said: “It is always a huge honour for the Lieutenancy to present the British Empire Medals on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. In every case it is very well deserved. Everybody has a wonderful story to tell about selfless service to our community. This is particularly significant in our area. Yorkshire people are genuine and wonderfully generous with their time and energy.”
The ten people from the North Yorkshire Lieutenancy who received the award – more than on any previous occasion – are as follows:
- Mark Peter Airey, of Melsonby, strength and conditioning coach with Help for Heroes, for services to wounded service and veteran personnel.
- Suzanne Asquith, of York, a police constable with North Yorkshire Police, for services to policing and youth engagement.
- John Lister Coverdale, for services to the community in Ingleby Greenhow.
- Geoffrey Craggs, for services to the community in Boroughbridge.
- Cheryl Dixon, for voluntary services to the community in North Ormesby.
- Vivienne Lesley Hall, principal of Studio 3 Dance Workshop, for services to community dance and the community in Knaresborough.
- Keith Hardcastle, for services to farming in Nidderdale and to the community in Darley.
- Eric Howden, chairman of Redcar branch of the Royal British Legion, for voluntary services to the Royal British Legion.
- Thomas James Paterson, a retained firefighter with Cleveland Fire Brigade, for services to fire safety and the community in Saltburn.
- Peter Vincent Thackrah, of Austwick, for services to the community and charity in North Yorkshire.