Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd & Anglesey feature in New Year’s Honours

The list recognises and rewards the efforts of members of communities across the UK each year, and were revealed this year at 10.30pm on December 29.

Below, you can see who made this year’s list from Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey:

Denbighshire

Stephen Wynne Evans – Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Steve Evans (Image: Steve Evans)

The founder of Rhyl community charity Belief, Meliden-based Steve has been appointed a MBE for “voluntary and charitable services in North Wales”.

He said: “It was a huge shock and immense pride to hear I was to be named in His Majesty the King's New Year’s Honours list. Never did I once think anything like this would ever happen to me.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all Belief members and supporters, with special thanks going to Yvette Green and Emma Birchall who have, and continue to, work tirelessly, ensuring we go from strength to strength.

“On forming Belief back in 2012, we had one aim, and that was simply to try and help make a difference.

“We don't have any set criteria, or red tape, we simply try and help those in need. Being honoured in this way really is amazing.”

Sharon Manning – Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

A cancer nurse specialist for Macmillan, and based at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, Sharon was appointed a MBE for “services to cancer patient care”.

Originally from Lancashire, she has worked for the NHS in Wales for more than 30 years.

A spokesperson for Macmillan Cancer Support said: “We are absolutely thrilled and delighted for Sharon Manning to be recognised in this way.

"She has worked tirelessly throughout her distinguished nursing career for people living with cancer; going well beyond her remit to develop new innovative services and raising huge amounts for charity.”

Janet Ann Davies – Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Cllr Davies, a Welsh Conservatives representative of the Rhuddlan ward on Denbighshire County Council, was awarded a BEM for “services to local government, the NHS, and the community in Rhuddlan”.

She has previously served as both chair and vice-chair of the local authority.

Linda Elaine Williams - Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Linda Williams (Image: WAST)

A volunteer support administrator for the Welsh Ambulance Service, Linda was awarded a BEM for “services to the Community First Responder Scheme in North Wales”.

Based in St Asaph for her job, she joined the service in 2004 and spent 11 years as an emergency medical technician, before an injury meant she had to step back from her patient-facing role.

She put her retirement plans on hold in 2020 to support volunteers through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Linda said: “When a letter arrived from the Cabinet Office, I thought somebody was trying to sell me something!

“Then it sank in, and I just started crying. I can’t believe that somebody out there thinks what I do is good enough to warrant a BEM!”

Professor Paul Mealor - Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO)

Paul Mealor (Image: Submitted)

Prof Mealor, who was born in St Asaph and raised in Connah’s Quay, has been appointed a LVO for his services to royal music.

Separately, he has been presented with the Coronation Medal for his contributions to the service at Westminster Abbey in May.

He said: “I am still on cloud nine and thrilled beyond words to be made a LVO - it is incredibly special and means so much because it was in the personal gift of His Majesty.

“I was also absolutely delighted and honoured to have been awarded The Coronation Medal for my contributions to the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.”

Conwy

Andrew Richard Hinchliff - Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Having served as a member of Conwy County Borough Council and Llanfairfechan Town Council, Andrew has been awarded a BEM for “services to Local Government and to the community in North Wales”.

Gwynedd

Lynda Janet Suzanne Bennett – Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Based in Tywyn and a coach of Dysnni Hockey Club, Lynda has been appointed a MBE for “services to hockey in Wales”.

Sean Adcock – Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Sean Adcock (Image: Sean Adcock)

A six-time North Wales professional champion in dry stone walling, Caernarfon-based master craftsman Sean has been awarded a BEM for “services to dry stone walling”.

He said: "It came as a complete surprise - but I suppose everyone says that! 

"My partner had seen the envelope and was urging me to open it - I was more interested in the DIY parcels that had arrived; I didn't even notice 'The Cabinet Office' on the envelope, and probably wouldn't have twigged even if I had!   

"I'm amazed that enough people nominated me, and even more amazed that The Honours Committee thought the nomination worthy of something. 

"I'm certain there are others in the area more deserving than myself but haven't been fortunate enough to have been nominated in the first place. 

"I still think I'm dreaming and waiting for someone to reveal it's all a joke!"

Dr Robert Havard Davies – Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

A doctor at the neuro-development team at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, Dr Davies has been awarded a BEM for “services to the NHS”.

Kenneth Fitzpatrick – Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Kenneth Fitzpatrick (Image: Kenneth Fitzpatrick)

A lifeboat operations manager at Porthdinllaen’s lifeboat station, Kenneth has been awarded a BEM for “services to maritime safety”.

He said:" I was very surprised, but really pleased, to have received the BEM; not only for myself, but for the backing of the whole crew at the station.

"I have been the lifeboat operations manager here at Porthdinllaen for the last 23 years and I still hold that role.

"Prior to this, I was a charter skipper in the Caribbean, a crew member, and then a full-time second coxswain/mechanic over a period of 21 years, making a total of 44 years with the RNLI."

Anglesey

Dr Peter Simpson Jones – Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Peter Jones (Image: NRW)

A lead specialist adviser for peatlands at Natural Resources Wales, Llangefni-based Dr Jones has been appointed a MBE for “services to Welsh Peatlands and to the community in Wales”.

With a career spanning more than 27 years, he has played a pivotal role in advancing understanding of peatland ecosystems and advocating for their protection.

Recalling when he received his letter telling him he had been awarded the honour, Peter said: “It was completely unexpected; it doesn’t feel real and I am very humbled by it. 

“I am just one of many committed people at NRW working to safeguard and improve our wonderful peatland resource and the wider Welsh environment.”

Kathleen Louisa Kynaston – Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Kath Kynaston (Image: Submitted)

Kath, formerly of Baschurch, moved to Anglesey just more than a year ago with a view to retiring.

She has been awarded a BEM for “services to swimming and to the community in Shropshire”.

Kath herself was a swimming official, including for para-swimming, giving many hours at galas across the region.

She wished to sincerely thank all of those who put the time and effort into nominating her for this award which she is “extremely proud” to be receiving.

Llinos Edwards – Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Having served a team leader as part of the Looked After Children Tream, Llinos has been awarded a BEM for “services to vulnerable children in North Wales”.

Thomas Andrew Raynes Jenkins – Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Thomas Jenkins (Image: Motor Neurone Disease Association)

Holyhead-based Thomas has been appointed a MBE for “services to the forestry sector”.

He leads the Forest Research in Wales Unit, and his responsibilities include the management and growth of the unit, including the assessment of research opportunities within Wales and elsewhere.

Thomas said: "I was genuinely surprised and flattered to receive a letter in November informing me that I was being recommended for the honour of MBE for services to the forestry sector. 

"Trees are so important for the future of our planet, and it has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with some very clever and dedicated forestry people over the years. 

"My role still brings me into contact with students I taught at Bangor University, many of whom are now making a tangible long-term difference to the health and diversity of our woodlands and delivering numerous environmental and economic benefits to society."