News

Frame boss and former council press officer recognised in New Year’s Honours list

Published

4 years ago

December 31, 2020

THE FOUNDER of a Pembrokeshire charity that employs and trains people with disabilities and learning difficulties has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.

A former employee of Pembrokeshire County Council has also been awarded.

Jennifer Ann Sims, founder and CEO of Pembrokeshire Frame, has been recognised for her tireless work with a British Empire Medal (BEM). Ms Sims established the award-winning recycling social enterprise charity in 1994, helping to change the face of recycling and disability employment provision in the county. Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 75-year-old sought grant funding to launch Pembrokeshire FRAME’s Bags of Care Community Fridge Scheme.

The Royal Victorian Order, is a dynastic order of knighthood established in 1896 by Queen Victoria. It recognises distinguished personal service to the monarch, and has been awarded to the recently retired press officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, Leonard (Len) Maurice Mullins, for ‘services to the Lieutenancy of Pembrokeshire.’

Mr Mullins is the only person in Wales to become a Member of the Royal Victorian Order this year.

In a year that has truly tested the resolve and determination of those on the frontline, the New Year Honours List includes 1,239 recipients, recognised for their extraordinary contributions in all four nations of the United Kingdom.

Public sector workers make up 14.8% of the list and include firefighters, medical professionals, teachers, police officers and local government workers – all of whom are being recognised for making a huge individual impact, and in particular in the response to COVID-19.

An MBE goes to Special Chief Officer Mark Owen, who returned from retirement to lead the Special Constabulary’s response in North Wales.

An MBE goes to Karen McDowell for services to the LGBTQ community and fire service in Northern Ireland.

Charity Helpline Housing Adviser for Shelter Nadeem Khan receives a BEM – unable to return to the UK because of the Covid-19 pandemic, he worked from his personal laptop from a rooftop in Lahore, Pakistan delivering housing advice to over 500 people over three months via web chat to people over 5,000 miles away in the UK.

Included in the List are 123 (10%) health and social care workers – from British Red Cross Ambulance Crew to care home managers – all have played a part in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A BEM goes to Cath Fitzsimmons from Greater Manchester, a former palliative care nurse who came out of retirement for COVID-19.

Dr Azeem Alam, 28 years old from Harpenden, Herts receives the BEM for founding BiteMedicine, which provides free medical education for medical students, physician associates and aspiring doctors during COVID-19, teaching over 10,000 students worldwide via online, live webinars.

Deputy Director of Nursing Jacky Copping, 55 from Beccles, Suffolk, receives an MBE for initiating Face Fit Testing at the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ensuring that frontline workers were properly protected against Covid-19.

This Honours List highlights how Britain’s business sector has stepped up to deliver for the country during COVID-19. From small business owners diverting their resources or changing business models to support the response effort to supermarket workers making sure all their vulnerable customers were stocked up with essential items – this Honours List showcases 111 recipients (9%) being recognised for services to business and the economy.

Publican Caroline Halfhide, aged 51 from Ash in Somerset receives MBE for changing her pub into a village shop for residents to drastically minimise the need for travel to nearby towns for food and essentials.

Founder and CEO of Pembrokeshire Frame, Jennifer Sims, 76 years old, receives the BEM for launching #Bagsofcare Community Fridge Free Bags Scheme, providing hot meals and free bags of food to the vulnerable, the elderly and those struggling financially due to the pandemic.

The majority of awards are for the contributions people have made in their communities. Of those receiving an award, 65% are recognised for their community work.

Captain Emma Henderson, living in Moray in Scotland receives an MBE for founding Project Wingman, creating a first class lounge experience in hospitals in the UK for NHS workers.

The oldest person on the list is Anne Baker from Salisbury in Wiltshire, who at 106 years old receives an MBE for fundraising for the NSPCC.

She is closely followed by 104 year old Ruth Saunders, receiving an MBE for walking a marathon to raise money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

The youngest recipient is 20 year old Samah Khalil, the Youth Mayor of Oldham. She receives a BEM for her work in empowering young people.

Architect David Chipperfield is awarded a Companion of Honour, for services to architecture.

Actor Sheila Hancock receives a damehood for services to drama and charity, as does conductor and musicologist Professor Jane Glover for services to music and make-up artist Patricia McGrath for services to the fashion, the beauty industry and to diversity.

A damehood is also awarded to Angela Eagle MP for parliamentary and political service. The Right Honourables Geoffrey Cox QC MP and Thomas Clarke MP receive knighthoods for parliamentary and political service, and public and political service respectively.

In sport, Director of Rugby at Exeter Chiefs Robert Baxter receives an OBE and Captain Joe Simmonds receives a MBE, both for services to Rugby Union Football. Former professional rugby player Rob Burrow receives an MBE for the awareness he has raised around motor neuron disease particularly during the pandemic. MBEs are also awarded to former England footballers Jimmy Greaves and Ron Flowers for services to football.

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.”

The full list of New Year’s Honours awarded to people in Wales.

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Professor Anthony Keith Campbell. Honorary Research Professor, School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University. For services to biochemistry. (Penarth)

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Sara Louise Pepper. Director of Creative Economy, Cardiff University. For services to the creative economy. (Cardiff)

David Thomas Richards. Director of Governance and Ethics, Welsh Government. For public service. (Cardiff)

Emma Swingwood. Physiotherapist, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust. For services to Physiotherapy. (Monmouthshire)

Giovanni Isingrini. Group Director and Deputy Chief Executive, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. For services to children in Wales. (Pontypridd)

Simon Keith Pirotte. Principal, Bridgend College. For services to further and higher education in Wales. (Ystradgynlais)

Susan Jane Husband. Director, Business in the Community, Cymru and lately Director, Employer and Employee Engagement, Education and Skills Funding Agency. For services to education. (Barry)

Carol Jane Mack. Chief Executive, Association of Charitable Foundations. For services to charity. (Barry)

Craig Stephenson. For services to parliament and to equality. (Penarth)

Professor Farah Naz Kausar Bhatti. Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon. For services to diversity in the NHS in Wales. (Swansea)

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Professor Laurence John Alison. Director of the National Centre for the Study of Critical Incident Decision Making, University of Liverpool. For services to critical incident handling and to the NHS during Covid-19 (Greenfield, Flintshire)

Mark Anthony Owen. Special Chief Officer, North Wales Police. For services to policing and to the community in north Wales, particularly during the Covid-19 Response (Llanynys, Denbighshire)

Reverend David John Goronwy Evans. For services to charity and to the community in Lampeter (Lampeter)

Thomas Huw Owen. Founder and managing director, Owens Group. For services to employment and to the community in Llanelli and South Wales (Llanelli)

Dr Lynn Elizabeth Sloman. Founder, Transport for Quality of Life. For services to transport. (Ceredigion)

Kathleen Beavan. For services to agriculture. (Abergavenny)

Professor Barbara Lesley Chadwick. Professor of Paediatric Dentistry and Director, Education and Students School of Dentistry, Cardiff University. For services to paediatric dental health. (Monmouthshire)

Richard Royce Lee QAM. Strategic Commander, St John Ambulance. For services to healthcare during Covid-19. (Caerphilly)

Simone Monique Roden. Headteacher, Ynysowen Community Primary School. For services to education in Aberfan. (Ebbw Vale)

Professor Tamas Szakmany. Critical Care Consultant, Royal Gwent Hospital. For services to the NHS during Covid-19. (Newport)

Dr Stephanie Joy Tyler. For services to nature conservation in the UK and Africa. (Penallt, Monmouthshire)

Richard Paskell. Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team. For services to mountain rescue and to the community in South Wales. (Pontyclun)

Christine Powell. National Manager, 111 Wales, Welsh Ambulance Service. For services to healthcare and to the 111 service in Wales. (Bridgend)

Robert Andrew Robinson. For public and voluntary service in Powys. (Welshpool)

Professor Alka Surajprakash Ahuja. Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Royal College of Psychiatrists (Wales). For services to the NHS during Covid-19. (Cardiff)

Shane Peter Andrews. Project Operations Interface Specialist, Network Rail. For services to diversity and to inclusion. (Cardiff)

Dr Fiona Charlton Jenkins. Executive Director of Therapies and Health Sciences, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Interim Executive Director of Therapies and Health Sciences, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. For services to healthcare. (Cardiff)

Judith Stella Rhys. For voluntary service to health and social care. (Cardiff)

Rosemary Bernadertte Stewart. Senior Private Secretary to the First Minister of Wales. For public service. (Cardiff)

Alan Thomas Curtis. For services to Welsh football. (Swansea)

Carol Cecilia Doggett. Senior Matron, Intensive Care, Morriston Hospital, Swansea. For services to leadership and nursing care for intensive care patients and staff, particularly during Covid-19. (Swansea)

Catherine Julie Palmer. Head, Change Governance, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. For services to motorists. (Swansea)

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Vicki Broad. Head of Long Term Care, Hywel Dda University Health Board. For services to the NHS in Wales during the Covid-19 response. (Neath)

Robert Malcolm Davies. Special Constable, South Wales Police. For voluntary service to Policing. (Neath)

Reverend William Glynne George James. Principal Police Chaplain, South Wales Police. For services to Police Chaplaincy and to the community in Gorseinon, Swansea. (Swansea)

Karen Jane Kembery. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neath Port Talbot Hospital. For services to Nursing in West Glamorgan. (Swansea)

Theresa Valerie Conway. Treasurer, Aberconwy Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club. For services to People with Disabilities and to the community in Llandudno. (Conwy)

George Leonard Ellis. For services to Young People and to the community in Abergele (Conwy)

Professor Alexander Toogood. For services to People with Intellectual Disabilities. (Ruthin)

Richard Llewelyn Griffiths. Lifeboat Operations Manager, Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station. For services to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Wales. (Aberyswyth)

Sandra May Morgan. For political and public service in Wales. (Ammanford)

Lisa Jane Randell. Senior Support Worker. For services to Health and Social Care during the Covid-19 Response. (Carmarthenshire)

Helen Refna Williams. For services to Vulnerable Young Parents and to the Elderly in Borth during Covid-19. (Ceredigion)

Alexander John Anderson. For voluntary and charitable services to People with Autism in Caerleon. (Newport)

Sharon Higgins. For services to the Performing Arts in Newport. (Newport)

David Charles Knight. For voluntary service to Newport Community Cricket Club. (Newport)

Michael John Knight. For voluntary service to Newport Community Cricket Club. (Newport)

Sharon Grace Thorpe. Clinical Team Leader, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust. For services to Paramedics and Ambulance Staff. (Newport)

Richard Burnell. For services to Young People and to the community in Holyhead. (Anglesey)

Steven Jones. Systems Auditor and Analysis Manager, South Wales Police. For services to Policing. (Bridgend)

Dennis Murphy. For services to Veterans’ Football in Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan. (Merthyr Tydfil)

Jennifer Ann Sims. Chief Executive Officer, Pembrokeshire Frame. For voluntary service. (Milford Haven)

Lorna Keylock. Fundraiser, Brecon and Sennybridge Branch, Cancer Research Wales . For voluntary and charitable services in Brecon. (Brecon)

Brian Frederick Keylock. Fundraiser, Brecon and Sennybridge Branch, Cancer Research Wales . For voluntary and charitable services in Brecon. (Brecon)

Catherine Knapp-Evans. For services to the Arts and to the community in mid Wales. (Caersws)

Jeanne Olive Nuttall. Head, Service Nutrition and Dietetics, Powys Teaching Health Board. For services to Dietetics and Nutrition in Wales. (Llanidloes)

Margaret Sims. For voluntary service to the NHS and to the community in Bronllys, Wales. (Brecon)

Catharine Sinnadurai. For services to Dance Education, Training and Performance. (Brecon)

Harilal Narandas Patel. For services to Community Cohesion in Cardiff. (Cardiff)

David Lincoln Williams. For services to the Arts in Wales. (Cowbridge)

Queen’s Police Medal (QPM)

Sergeant Timothy John Barrell. South Wales Police

Royal Victorian Order

Leonard Maurice Mullins. For services to the Lieutenancy of Pembrokeshire. (Pembrokeshire)

Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal (QAM)

Lee David Brooks. Director of Operations, Frontline Emergency Ambulance Response, Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service and Clinical Contact Centre Services, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Clare Elizabeth Langshaw. Ambulance Operations Manager, Resilience and Specialist Operations, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Health

Phone calls to reduce GP visits for 42% of patients this winter

Published

8 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW research from the Royal Voluntary Service has shown that a simple phone call could significantly impact well-being, reducing GP visits by 42% among patients who receive regular telephone support.

The charity urges those feeling isolated this winter, particularly the elderly, to use telephone support services as a way to improve health and free up GP appointments, potentially reducing waiting times. It is estimated that if people experiencing loneliness in later life reduced their GP visits by just one appointment a year, this could free up 588,000 appointments annually.

As winter approaches, the Royal Voluntary Service reports that isolation can sharply increase, especially for adults over 75, with nearly half (47%) of people in this age group feeling lonelier in the colder months. Among those who live alone, one in six say they feel forgotten during winter, and 20% report having no one to turn to for emotional support.

In addition to loneliness, older generations face several winter worries, including increased heating costs, cited by 55% of respondents, and reduced ability to go out, which 29% said they dreaded as winter sets in.

To address these challenges, Royal Voluntary Service has launched the Stay Safe, Warm and Well campaign in partnership with Yakult. The campaign provides a guide for practical and emotional winter preparation, encouraging sign-ups for telephone support services and offering access to the Virtual Village Hall online community for events and activities. Practical advice on money-saving and energy-saving tips is also available through the guide.

Royal Voluntary Service Ambassador Elaine Paige, who has herself made support calls for the charity, described the positive impact these calls can have. “A warm, friendly phone call can transform someone’s day. Some conversations leave you smiling long after the call ends—something we could all use, especially in winter. For those facing the season alone, there are amazing people ready to remind you that you’re not alone,” she said.

The charity’s support services match volunteers with individuals across the UK for friendly chats, reducing isolation and boosting mental health. Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “The feedback that conversations with volunteers are helping people to visit their GP less is testament to the value of connection.”

Yakult Marketing Manager Reshma Patel added: “Our research with Royal Voluntary Service shows that one in four adults over 75 feel they’d benefit from practical and emotional support over winter. We are committed to helping people access the Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide to support their overall well-being.”

Crime

Welsh shop workers face ‘surge in shoplifting linked violence and abuse’ says union

Published

8 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A NEW survey by retail trade union Usdaw has revealed disturbing figures on the abuse, threats, and violence endured by Welsh shop workers, with incidents increasingly linked to shoplifting. Released during Respect for Shop Workers Week, which runs from November 11 to 17, the statistics highlight a troubling trend that is impacting thousands of retail employees.

Usdaw’s survey, based on responses from over 4,000 retail staff, shows that in the past year:

69% experienced verbal abuse.
45% were threatened by customers.
17% were assaulted.

Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis commented on the findings, saying: “Shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive. These reports from Welsh retail staff make grim reading. It is shocking to see over two-thirds of our members subjected to abuse, threats, and violence. Seven in ten of these incidents are related to theft, much of it tied to addiction and organised crime.”

Usdaw’s survey suggests that shoplifting is increasingly becoming a flashpoint for violence. Many shop workers report encountering hardened criminals who appear to steal goods “to order” or to fund addictions. According to the union, incidents are on the rise across Wales, with police-reported shoplifting up by 33% in the past year.

Usdaw member testimonies paint a vivid picture of the dangers faced on the shop floor:

One respondent described being “spat at, pushed against a wall, punched, and threatened with a knife.”
Another reported that, after refusing to sell alcohol, they were told to “F**k off” and threatened with a beating by a group of five.
Others spoke of being punched, spat on, and verbally abused, with threats that often left lasting emotional scars.

New measures on the horizon

Usdaw has been calling for greater legal protection for retail workers for years, and it appears these calls are finally being heard. The recent Crime and Policing Bill, announced in the King’s Speech, proposes to:

End the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has been a source of frustration for retailers.
Introduce town centre banning orders for repeat offenders.
Allocate funding for tackling organised shoplifting and increase police presence in shopping areas.

“We welcome these new measures and hope they will provide much-needed protection,” said Mr. Lillis. “After 14 years of neglect under successive Tory governments, we are encouraged by the steps the new Labour government is taking to address the retail crime epidemic.”

As Christmas approaches—a time when retail crime tends to peak—Usdaw is urging the public to “respect shop workers” and remain calm as stores become busier.

Usdaw, which represents around 360,000 members, primarily in retail, launched its Freedom From Fear Campaign to tackle the growing issue of violence against shop workers. The final results of the 2024 survey are expected in March 2025.

Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

Published

9 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.