Honouring Service and Dedication in Oxfordshire

I try not to use the word inspirational too often in this blog, but to be honest it’s quite difficult not to. The people I am meeting around the county this year – and the causes they champion – are genuinely inspirational. It is not hubris that makes me write this, rather genuine awe at what people are achieving.

That was certainly true last night when I had the honour of reading out the citations for a group of Oxfordshire residents who have been awarded the Medal of the British Empire (BEM). The BEM is part of the UK honours system. It is awarded on behalf of His Majesty The King to people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities, often through quiet dedication and voluntary service.

I was supporting the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marjorie Neasham Glasgow BEM, as she presented the awards on behalf of His Majesty at a splendid ceremony hosted by SERFCA (the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association) at Abingdon School. SERFCA supports reservists and cadet organisations across the South East of England, helping to strengthen the link between the Armed Forces and the communities they serve.

It was also a chance to welcome the new batch of the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets, drawn from cadet forces across the county, and to honour some of Oxfordshire’s reservists for their service. Civic life was well represented too, with Mayors, Deputy Lieutenants and Councillors filling the hall – a reminder of the richness of community spirit across Oxfordshire.

Here are the remarkable stories of those recognised:

• Mrs Wendy Irene Skinner Smith BEM – for her tireless work leading allotments in Oxford, reclaiming Cripley Meadow, fundraising for improvements, and building a thriving, inclusive community of growers.

• Mrs Avis Vanessa Gallager BEM – for her decades of devotion to Banbury, from founding clubs for older people to running the ‘Cornhill Companions’, rescuing the talking newspaper, and ensuring older residents never feel alone.

• Mr David Graham Turner BEM – for a lifetime of public service in Chalgrove and across Oxfordshire, including 41 years as a parish councillor, 27 years at district level, and an extraordinary record of campaigning for schools, transport and village life.

• Mr Gary James Beckett BEM – for transforming the Bicester Garrison training areas into flourishing nature reserves, leading innovative conservation projects, and inspiring others to protect our local environment.

• Mrs Gillian Anne Chappell BEM – for three decades of devoted leadership in Girlguiding, creating unforgettable opportunities for generations of young people and mentoring future leaders.

• Miss Margaret Jean Day BEM – for more than 20 years of service to the church and community in Kidlington, from editing the Kidlington News to supporting the foodbank and countless local projects.

• Mr Neil Stockton BEM – for over 45 years of volunteer service with hospital radio, ensuring patients in Oxford’s hospitals are entertained, supported and connected, while training new generations of broadcasters.

• Mrs Stephanie Jayne Forman BEM – for her remarkable contributions in Dorchester-on-Thames, raising funds for the Abbey, supporting neighbouring communities, and quietly baking birthday cakes for children whose families are struggling.

Each citation spoke of selflessness, commitment, and love for their communities. Each recipient has changed lives for the better.

I left the evening humbled and proud to live in a county where so many people give so much of themselves for others.

Congratulations to them all.