Do you know an unsung hero who you think should be put forward for a King’s honour?
There are many brilliant people across Derbyshire who do amazing things in our communities but very often go unrecognised.
Today the King has published his 2024 New Year’s honours list. It’s a very special moment which happens each New Year and on the King’s official birthday usually with around 1,300 people in the country being recognised.
The national media often showcase celebrities receiving medals but the list is certainly not about celebrities. In fact nearly all are unsung heroes from every corner of the land who have gone beyond the call of duty and done something special for King and country.
It can be scientists or academics, it can be heroes from our armed forces and public services, or people from business and commerce, or sportsmen and women, or volunteers who tirelessly and selflessly give their time to run local community groups like Scouts or Brownies. Anyone can be nominated at any time and by anyone for an honour.
Last year, in 2023 Antony Baines of Ripley received an OBE for services to the armed forces community, in 2022 Ravi Mahajan of Alfreton received a CBE for services to Anaesthesia and in 2020 Christopher Nieper received an OBE for services to manufacturing and apprenticeship development. He is now the philanthropic publisher of the Spirit of Alfreton and he believes more local people from Alfreton and surrounding Derbyshire towns could be recognised.
Christopher said: “If you know someone whose efforts deserve to be recognised, please think about nominating them.
“It’s so important to give our local heroes the recognition they deserve.
“Of course not every nomination is successful which is why you should do this in confidence and without telling the person you are nominating but why not have a go.”
All people need to do is fill out a nomination form, gather evidence of the impact of the person’s activities and get letters of support from people who know them or have benefitted from their activities.
For more information go to here
Alternatively the Derbyshire Lord Lieutenant’s Honours Panel is on hand to help and give advice. They can be contacted by emailing debra.heaton@derbyshiredales.gov.uk

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