Donna Sanders-Steel one of the Girlguiding IW Assistant County Commissioners has gained an Award for her work in the Probation Service and recognition for her volunteering with Girlguiding.
The Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes hosted H.M. Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight Awards recently sponsored by S.E.R.F.C.A. -The South East Reserve Forces and Cadet Association. The Island’s Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon JP presented most of the Awards during the evening with other awards presented by sponsors.
British Empire Medals were awarded to Ronald George Groves of Chale and Jonathan David Gilbey of Shanklin.
Ron was cited as leading by example during the pandemic and had been instrumental in setting up a pop-up kiosk when the village shop closed. After serving in the RAF for a number of years he was then a prominent Football League referee. In his twilight years as the Man in Black, he actually officiated in the fledgling F.A. Premier League, and he particularly remembered the infamous Vinny Jones. Ron claims Vinny was never a problem to him, probably due to their shared love of fishing.
Jon has given 26 years constant service to Shanklin in a variety of roles including athletics coaching to I.W. A. C. and service to Shanklin Community Youth Club.
Other Awards included:
His Majesty Lord Lieutenant’s Meritorious Service CFAV- Staff Sergeant Instructor Sebastian Jones for seven years’ service with Gallipoli Company Army Cadet Force.
Best Reservist Award supported by Hover Travel- Lance Corporal Christopher Jenkins.
Cadet Forces Medal-12 years’ Service- Staff Sergeant Instructor Steven Williams.
Hampshire & IW Constabulary Exemplary Service Award:
DS Jamie Wilkinson
PC Nigel Allen
PC Scott Cooper
HM Prison Service- 20 years’ service Awards:
Gavin Symmans
Rebecca Rufus
Geoff Higgins
Kerry Baxendale
Daniella French
Donna Sanders plus Donna’s service to Girlguiding IW for her role as unit leader and Assistant Island Commissioner.
Royal British Legion-Long Service Bar-70 years– Elizabeth (Betty) Bilk. Betty has led the raising of hundreds of pounds over the years in Cowes for the Poppy Day Appeal.
Following these awards, the three new Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets for 2023-24 were announced and presented with certificates by Susie Sheldon:
Cadet Sergeant Will Burr
Cadet Corporal Maisie Henderson
Cadet Corporal Chloe Stemmet.
Throughout the evening there was a collection of presentations showing the work of SERFCA together with a number of speakers on allied subjects.
Congratulations were extended to all award recipients and Susie Sheldon ended proceedings by praising her chosen cadets for 2022/23 saying they were a great joy to her. She then called on the audience to show, once more, their appreciation of all the evening’s award recipients.
