DOZENS gathered at The Royal Yacht Squadron for a special event on Tuesday – for His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight Awards Ceremony.
Guests gathered at the venue for registration and refreshments, then made their way to the main ceremony room to be seated, ahead of Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon’s arrival.
Two Islanders, Ronald Groves and Jon Gilbey, were presented with British Empire awards, for unstinting service to the community.
Lieutenant Matthew Symmans, an army reservist for more than 20 years, gave a talk on his reserve experience, as did cadet warrant officer Annabel Boag, of Ryde School Combined Cadet Force.
For official pictures, visit serfca.org.
The Isle of Wight Best Reservist Award, for the reservist who achieved the most/made the greatest contribution to reserves on the Island during the year, went to Lance Corporal Christopher Jenkins.
The Cadet Forces Medal, awarded for 12 years of service, went to staff sergeant instructor Stephen Williams.
District commander, superintendent Rob Mitchell, announced three Isle of Wight police officers recognised for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary exemplary service awards.
First to pick up an award was detective sergeant Jamie Wilkinson, who joined the constabulary in January 2000.
Police constable Nigel Allen, who joined the constabulary in 1994, and acting police sergeant Scott Cooper – a police officer for more than 17 years – were also presented with awards.
Next to step up was operational manager of HMP Isle of Wight, Ben Cooper, who read citations for His Majesty’s prison service long service award.
Awards went to Gavin Symmans, Rebecca Rufus, Geoff Higgins, Kerry Baxendale, Daniella French, and Donna Sanders.
A Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal long service award went Betty Bilk, whose selfless voluntary service and fundraising efforts have brought the Cowes community together.
A dedicated supporter of the poppy appeal for more than seven decades, the 82-year-old has been the Cowes poppy appeal organiser for more than 20 years and helped raise in excess of £153,000 during her time with the organisation.
Speaking to the County Press, Betty said she was honoured to receive the award, but didn’t think she deserved it, because it was something she just did.
Joking that she didn’t have another 70 years of fundraising left in her, Betty said she first started when she was around eight years old, doing house to house collections with her parents.
“Dad used to go one side of the road, I used to go the other side of the road, mum used to hold the tin, and I used to hold the box,” said Betty.
“And that’s how it all started, and I never stopped.”
Betty has lived in Cowes all her life, was schooled in Cowes, worked at the co-operative in Cowes for 39 years, and is something of a celebrity in the town – a proud Caulkhead.
“No matter where I go, somebody knows me,” said Betty.
“I even go on the mainland sometimes, and they recognise me. You wouldn’t believe it.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time doing it. I’ve got no plans to stop.”
Cadet sergeant Will Burr, cadet corporal Maisie Henderson, and cadet corporal Chloe Stemmet were appointed as Lord-Lieutenant Cadets, and Cllr Ian Dore delivered an emotive speech, highlighting the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant.
Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon and Commodore Rob Bellfield were also among those to give speeches on the night.
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