Godalming area residents named in New Year's Honours list

Four local men have been honoured in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

Nicholas Morgan from Godalming has been made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for services to community safety. Mr Morgan is Section Head of the Crime Patterns department, in the Home Office's Crime and Policing Analysis Unit. Ryan Kelley, Chief Executive of the Whitmore Vale Housing Association, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to social care. Mr Kelley lives in Godalming. Whitmore Vale provides supported living and residential services to adults with a wide range of care and support needs, from people with very mild or moderate learning disabilities to those who have profound and complex. The association's services are provided at centres across west Surrey, with a head office in Hindhead. Milford resident John Hambly, founder of the Guildford-based Samson Centre for Multiple Sclerosis, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to people with disabilities in Surrey and the Home Counties. The centre was founded in 1992 by Mr Hambly and a team of trustees and supporters. John had been recently diagnosed with MS and wanted to create a place where people could get the specialist support they needed locally. A chartered building surveyor before retiring in 2007, and formerly a keen rugby player, Mr Hamly was the driving force behind the Samson Centre Project, serving as chairman from October 2003 until he stepped down in October 2009. Former Surrey Police Detective Constable Michael Taylor has been awarded the Queen's Police Service Medal. Former Surrey Police Chief Constable Lynne Owens, now Director General of the National Crime Agency, has been made Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath (DCB). Honoured for service.

In a year that has really tested the resolve and determination of those on the frontline, the New Year Honours List includes 1,239 recipients who have been recognised for their contributions as the country battled Covid-19.

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 have been recognised for making a huge individual impact, and in particular in the response to the pandemic.

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

The list also highlights how Britain's business sector has stepped up to deliver for the country during the crisis. 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, the list gives the names of 111 recipients (9%) being recognised for services to business and the economy.

PM praises recipients.

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."