Community figures from Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Sudbury, Stowmarket and Reydon celebrated in King’s Birthday Honours

Community figures across Suffolk have been recognised for their services in The King’s Birthday Honours List.

People from all over the country, famous faces and those less well-known, have been rewarded for their achievements; from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who have been made Members of the British Empire (MBE), to The Who musician Roger Daltrey, who receives a Knighthood.

Eleven people in Suffolk were awarded including Nick Hulme, of Stowmarket, who is the chief executive of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust. He has been made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the NHS.

He said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. Being awarded a CBE is something I never imagined, and it stands as a testament to the extraordinary individuals I’ve had the privilege of working alongside throughout my career. This honour belongs as much to them as it does to me.

“I share this recognition with my family, mentors, colleagues, and everyone who has supported me along the way. I would also like to pay tribute to my late wife, Annette, whose unwavering love and support meant the world to me, and to others who are no longer with us but whose influence continues to guide me.”

Alongside Mr Hulme, four Suffolk residents have been made an MBE, while six have been made Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM).

Among the MBE recipients was Andrew Harston, 64, of Rattlesden, who was recognised for his services of 42 years to ports.

Retiring at the end of 2024, Mr Harston finished his career as Associated British Ports’ regional director for the area, the company which he started his career with in 1983.

He said: “It’s very humbling, very surprising and very special. I’m one of those people who say ‘I’ve never had a job, I’ve had a series of great hobbies’.

“For me, to go to work every day has always been a privilege. I loved being in an industry where I helped to keep the UK moving, being part of the heartbeat of economic society.

“I’m fortunate to have had a job for my whole life which I’ve loved doing and I’ve worked with some great people.”

Mr Harston was particularly proud of his work at the Port of Ipswich, which he described as the bread basket of the UK and has been the nation’s leading agriculture departure port since 2003.

He will celebrate by having a party with 50 members of his family and friends tomorrow.

Susan Price, 76, of Bury St Edmunds, has worked with charity Riding for the Disabled in the county for nearly 40 years. Based out of the Barrow Hall stables for the West Suffolk branch, she has now risen to be the group’s county chairman. She was made a BEM for services to people with disabilities.

“It’s pretty amazing really,” she said. “I’m still not sure I deserve it but that’s how you feel I guess. All the volunteers do such fabulous work – it’s for all of them as much as it is me.

“It really is an honour and a privilege. A lot of organisation is involved in running the groups, and those who support the riders are the real backbone of all the groups.”

She said horses had always been a part of her life, from her time in the forces, to her daughter and granddaughters both riding.

She witnessed firsthand the benefits horse riding could have when she worked as part of a community mental health team and was looking for activities for the clients. When she semi-retired, her work with RDA progressed from there.

Charlotte Clark, 47, of Reydon, has been at the heart of her village and Southwold for more than 20 years as the manager of the community library, leading a range of initiatives and running a whole host of events. She was made a BEM for services to literacy and the community.

She said: “It’s marvellous and a great surprise. A few weeks ago I got a letter which I thought was jury service, so I was completely gobsmacked, I didn’t expect it at all. It’s just wonderful.

“I always feel that there’s somebody else out there more deserving than I am, but I feel it’s really important that people who make a difference in the community are acknowledged. I’m just delighted that it’s been decided I’m worthy of that.

“It’s nice to know that what I do does make a difference.”

Charlotte said the support she receives from those in the area, both for the library and her work, was incredible.

Asked how she would be celebrating the award, she said: “By murdering someone tonight!”

The library has just started its crime writers festival, and tonight is its murder mystery dinner.

The full list of the Suffolk recipients and their awards is:

CBE:

Nick Hulme, of Stowmarket, for services to the NHS

MBE:

Andrew Harston, of Rattlesden, for services to ports
Mark Bills, of Sudbury, director of Gainsborough House, for services to art, museums and the community in Suffolk
Audrey Ludwig, of Ipswich, founder of Suffolk Law Centre, for services to legal aid in Suffolk
Andrew Richardson, of Bury, chair of the Food and Drink Wales board, for services to the food and drink sector

BEM:

Susan Price, of Bury, for services to people with disabilities
Charlotte Clark, of Reydon, for services to literacy and to the community in Reydon and Southwold
Margaret Chilestone, of Bury, lead volunteer of the 1st Red Lodge Scout Group, for services to young people
Janet Humphrey, of Ipswich, staff member at Suffolk Police, for services to the community in Suffolk
Russell Ling, of Ipswich, for services to the community in Otley
Paul Snelling, of Sudbury, leader of the 1st Bures Scout Group, for services to young people