Celebrating Four Remarkable Oxfordshire Citizens

This afternoon, I had the privilege of standing alongside the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire as she invested four exceptional individuals with the British Empire Medal—an honour recognising truly outstanding contributions to community life. It was a proud and humbling moment to be invited to read the citations aloud and share the stories of four people whose commitment, compassion and sheer determination have made a profound difference to others.

In the graceful surroundings of the Dexter Room at the Oxford Registry Office - and despite the heat gently encouraging the icing on the celebratory cake to glide towards the table - we gathered with friends and family to honour these remarkable recipients.

Catherine Hitchens has transformed community life in Fifield through tireless work to restore the Village Hall, now the heart of local life. From art classes and theatre evenings to soup lunches and postal services, Catherine’s leadership has created a space of connection and care for all generations. She seems to hold half the community’s roles between her fingertips; and manages them all with grace, energy, and enduring purpose.

Janet Monk, meanwhile, has dedicated more than 40 years to Girlguiding in Chadlington, having founded the local Brownie pack and ensured its survival through decades of change. From Brownie camps and Remembrance parades to stepping back into uniform during Covid as a retired nurse, Janet exemplifies selfless service to young people and her wider community.

Jennifer Lamboll served Thames Valley Police with distinction for 35 years—20 of them as a Special Constable. She has championed diversity, developed the 999 and 111 call centre into a beacon of innovation, and helped bring new generations into policing through mentoring and outreach. Her legacy is visible not only in systems improved, but in lives supported, understood, and inspired.

And then there’s Mikayla Beames. Diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of four, Mikayla responded not by retreating, but by founding Team Mikayla—a charity that has since raised over £300,000 and granted hundreds of wishes for children fighting cancer. Now just 19, she continues to give selflessly, generously, and with a joy that is utterly contagious. Mikayla is, without question, an inspiration to us all.

These ceremonies are about much more than medals. They are moments in which we pause to recognise the quiet heroism that strengthens the fabric of our county—acts of service that too often go unnoticed.

To Catherine, Janet, Jennifer and Mikayla - thank you. You make Oxfordshire a better, kinder, and more hopeful place.

And yes, the cake was very good. Even if the icing was on the move.