Twice a year, the King’s Honours List acknowledges individuals from all walks of life for their outstanding contributions to society. Do you know someone deserving of this prestigious accolade?
There are many brilliant people across Derbyshire who do amazing things in our communities, but they can very often go unrecognised.
King Charles recently published his 2024 New Year’s and Birthday Honours lists, around 1,200 people across the country nationally recognised each time.
These naturally provide special moments not just for the individuals to be honoured, but also their friends, family and the communities which they have enhanced.
The national media often showcase high profile recipients and celebrities receiving medals, but the lists are certainly not about celebrities.
In fact, nearly all are unsung heroes from every corner of the land who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and done something special for King and country.
This manifests itself in a variety of different ways.
They may be doing amazing voluntary work in the community; working tirelessly to safeguard the environment; creating lots of employment in a local company; achieving incredible sporting triumphs; or helping people to face and overcome health problems – to name but a few examples.
‘If you know someone whose efforts deserve to be recognised, please think about nominating them,’ Liz Fothergill, Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, tells Derbyshire Life.
‘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.’
An Honour is a distinctive way of acknowledging someone’s impact and recognising they have achieved something very special.
Derbyshire there are many people from all walks of life who meet this criteria and you may well know someone who does.
For such a prestigious and highly coveted honours system, the process of nomination requires thought and consideration but is nevertheless fairly straightforward.
If you know somebody deserving of national honours, all you 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.
There are no deadlines for nomination forms to be submitted, however it is worth bearing in mind that the process is likely to take at least 12 to 24 months.
For more information, visit gov.uk/honours.
Alternatively, the Derbyshire Lord Lieutenant’s Honours Panel is also on hand to assist and offer advice.
They can be contacted by emailing debra.heaton@derbyshiredales.gov.uk.
THE HONOURS SYSTEM
The range of National Honours is wide-ranging, however all are equally important as each is awarded for dedicated service, reflected in different ways.
The Honours system is for anyone and everyone who has made outstanding contributions to society. You do not need to be a high-profile and/or business figure to receive a nomination.
They are for individuals from all walks of life who have achieved something very special, such as those who are well respected by local people and will have made a difference in their neighbourhood.
In fact, over half of all awards go to people who are putting something extra into the community on a voluntary basis.
This ranges from people who have or continue to their community; have offered long-term voluntary service; have improved lives for people less able to help themselves; displayed moral courage.
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Established 1922
Awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community, such as long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of a relatively short duration that has made a significant difference.
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Established 1918
Given for outstanding achievement or service to the community that has had a long-term significant impact.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Established 1917
Provided for a distinguished regional or county role through achievement or service to the community.
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Established 1917
Awarded for a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level, through achievement or service to the community.
Damehood or Knighthood (DBE or KBE)
Established 1917
Given for a major inspirational and significant contribution in any activity, usually at national level, over a long period of time.
Peter McCrea OBE FRICS was honoured for services to the profession of Chartered Surveyors in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.
Peter is a member of the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) based at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, where he decides disputes about property.
In June he stood down after eight years as a trustee and six as chair of the board of LionHeart, which is the benevolent fund which supports Chartered Surveyors and their families around the world at times of need.
Peter chaired the Board through a significant period of turbulence, including the unprecedented Covid pandemic.
While Peter works in London, he lives in Derbyshire and retains strong links to the county, where he practised as a surveyor for 25 years until 2013.
He has served as a trustee of Derwent Stepping Stones, as chair of governors of Walter Evans School, and recently stood down as vice-chair of governors of The Ecclesbourne School.
‘I was obviously surprised and delighted to receive the OBE,’ says Peter. ‘However, I was particularly pleased that the vital work that LionHeart does for the 130,000 Chartered Surveyors and their families has been recognised through this award.’
Notable 2024 Derbyshire-based honours recipients
![Julie Richards, who will receive her OBE for For services to Further Education in October]()
Julie Richards, who will receive her OBE for For services to Further Education in October (Image: Chesterfield College)
DBE – JASVINDER KAUR SANGHERAJ
Born and raised in Derby, founder of Karma Nirvana and a human rights campaigner, for services to victims of child, forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
OBE – MILLIE BRIGHT
Chesterfield-born England women’s football captain, for services to football.
OBE – AMO RAJU
Chief executive of Disability Direct based in Derby, for services to disabled people and carers.
DBE - DIANNE JEFFERY
Trustee and founder chair of Age International. For services to older people abroad and to the community in Derbyshire.
MBE - DEAN JACKSON
Managing director of HUUB Ltd. For services to Business and Innovation in Derby and Derbyshire.
OBE - JULIE RICHARDS
Principal and chief executive officer of Chesterfield College. For services to Further Education.
BEM - CHRISTOPHER ALLEN
For services to the community in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
OBE – CHRISTOPHER NIEPER
Managing Director of David Nieper fashion manufacturer in Alfreton, for services to UK manufacturing and apprenticeship development.
MBE – SARAH LE-GOOD
Former director of inclusion and support at Derby College Group for services to further education and special educational needs and disabled (SEND) students.
BEM - HOWARD WILLIAMS
For services to the Royal British Legion and to the community in Spondon, Derbyshire.
‘WE HAVE BETTER REFRESHMENTS THAN BUCKINGHAM PALACE’
Not all Honours recipients are able to attend their investiture ceremonies. In 2023, Derbyshire’s John Mills, a former dentist, was awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours List for services to people with rare diseases.
John was recognised for his outstanding work in transforming a small support charity into the internationally-recognised Vasculitis UK, after himself being diagnosed with a rare condition GPA, a type of vasculitis.
Too ill to travel to London, John was presented with his MBE by family and friends in his village pub, the Old Bowling Green in Winster, receiving his award from Derbyshire’s Lord-Lieutenant Liz Fothergill.
As well as speaking about the honour bestowed on him, and how it reflected on the charity, John also quipped: ‘The Bowling Green isn't quite Buckingham Palace but we probably have better refreshments here than they do there.’
John passed away a few months later, with hundreds signing an online book of condolence, with one entry stating: ‘John, you were a total gent, who worked fearlessly for others. You have changed and improved so many lives, you will be so very missed.’
DID YOU KNOW?
The Honours system of the United Kingdom has a long history, its origins dating back to the time of the Norman Conquest of 1066.
For centuries, appointments to Orders of Chivalry were exclusive, however this changed as a result of the First World War, which saw sacrifices made by all members and all areas of British society formally recognised, leading to a desire to widen the Honours system.
It was the introduction of the Order of the British Empire in 1917 by King George V which set this in motion and honours continue to be awarded to all members of society to this day.
Honours are announced twice a year. Birthday Honours have existed since 1865, with New Year’s Honours coming 25 years later, in 1890, in the final years of Queen Victoria’s reign. This process has been adopted ever since.
Honours are usually awarded personally by the King, Prince of Wales or Princess Royal, with ceremonies typically taking place at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in Scotland.
Honours recipients are able to select their investiture date and location to ensure they can attend, but cannot choose which member of the Royal Family will presides over their specific ceremony.
British Empire Medals are presented locally by lord-lieutenants, in Derbyshire’s case Liz Fothergill CBE, who represent the King in our county.
Recipients are also invited to attend a royal garden party with others who have received awards.
