Salisbury's Anne Baker awarded MBE in New Year's Honours

MBE recipients

Anne Baker from Salisbury, who at 106 years old, received an MBE for fundraising for the NSPCC.

Anne said: “It was a great surprise and a great honour because I felt as if I didn’t deserve it at all.

“I’ve just been helping the NSPCC for about 50 years - I always have the party in my garden, which normally makes about £1,000 a year which is lovely.

“We couldn’t hold it this year but we still managed to raise £4,000 instead of having our usual party, so we were pleased and grateful to everyone who contributed to that.

“I love the NSPCC because they really look after families and I think that is so important, especially nowadays when we are going through such difficult times. This last year the NSPCC has worked wonders and I’m really grateful to them.”

Derek Howland from Salisbury was also recognised for services to national mapping

David Waters, also from Salisbury, for services to wildlife conservation and to the re-introduction of rare native species to the UK. 

Dr Joanne Thwaite, senior scientist, microbiology, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, was recongised for her services to the NHS during the Covid-19 Response

She said: "I am humbled and excited to be nominated for this honour which also represents the dedication and professionalism of a team of other Dstl specialist microbiologists. I am proud to be a part of that team and that I could help NHS colleagues deliver life-saving care at this time of acute national health response."

Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, chair, Public Health Advisory Group, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, for services to public health. (Tisbury)

Queen’s Fire Service Medal (QFSM)

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell has been recognised for his distinguished service to and outstanding leadership in the fire and rescue sector. He was the fire strategic gold commander during the Salisbury and Amesbury Novichok incidents and led the fire service's response to these incidents.

Chief Fire Officer Ansell said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been recognised with a Queen’s Fire Service Medal. I am proud to lead Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. This honour is truly a testament to the professionalism and dedication of all staff from across the Service that enables us to achieve all that we do. I would like to thank my colleagues, family and friends for their support during my career.”

OBE

Dr Phillippa Spencer,  senior principal statistician, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory was recongised for her services to defence, particularly during the Covid-19. 

Philippa said: "I am genuinely overwhelmed by the honour. The award recognises not only me, but an incredible team of people who provide vital support to so many collective efforts. I am beyond happy to have been nominated."

Dstl Military Adviser Lt Col Gareth Walker Royal Engineers (RE) also receives an OBE in recognition of his role in command of 66 Works Group with responsibility for Defence’s specialist water, fuel and materials infrastructure capabilities. During a two and a half year period he led military support to natural disasters in the British Caribbean and extreme flooding events in the UK, as well as myriad operations and tasks worldwide.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to be receiving this most prestigious award, and am incredibly grateful to those that nominated me. It is a privilege and honour to work in this amazing organisation that is home to some of the most talented people I have worked with. Dstl engineers, scientists and analysts are dedicated to developing and improving capabilities that are vital to the UK’s defence and security, and it is exciting to be part of a team that is redoubling its efforts to meet the future challenges and threats that we face."

Karl Simons, of Ringwood, the Chief Health, Safety and Wellbeing Officer at Thames Water was recongised for services to mental health policy.

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Patricia Anne Trevett, of Salisbury, for services to the community in Salisbury during Covid-19 

Anne Chadwick Dearle, of Sherborne, Dorset, Save the Children volunteer. For services to fundraising.

Thomas Fowler, of Ringwood, technical leader at the Environment Agency's Blandford base, was recongised for services to the environment 

What the Prime Minister said

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "In a year when so many have made sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people’s lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours today are a welcome reminder of the strength of human spirit, and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion.

"The 2021 New Year Honours offer us an opportunity to salute their dedication and recognise many who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to our country.

"As we begin a new year and continue to come together to fight this virus, may their service and stories be an inspiration to us all."