British Empire Medal presentations

Eight Shropshire residents awarded British Empire Medals in the King’s New Year Honours 2026 were  presented with their medals by Shropshire’s Lord Lieutenant Anna Turner. 

British Empire Medal (BEM) is awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community. This includes a long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of a relatively short duration (three to four years) that has made a significant difference .

Anna Turner said:-

“I send my warmest congratulations to all those who have been personally recognised by His Majesty The King, and it is my honour to be able to present them with their awards.

“These honours recognise people who have a made a difference in their communities and those who have devoted themselves over many years – often their whole professional life – to making a difference in their field.”

Five recipients and their guests enjoyed the ceremony and reception, which was hosted at the Shropshire Council-run Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.

The recipients were

Mrs Sally Crawford ANGELL-JAMES – For services to Defibrillator Provision in Shropshire. 

Mr Adrian Robin EMERY – Transport Volunteer, Royal Voluntary Service. For Voluntary Service.

Mrs Annabel Susan Alice GITTINS – Chair, Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians. For services to Young People. 

Mrs Alison Jane HUMPHREYS – For services to people with Memory Loss and Dementia.

Mr Scott SAUNDERS – For services to Emergency Response and to the community in Telford.

Separate presentations were held elsewhere in the county, the recipients were – 

Canon John Thomas NAYLOR – Music Director, Nantwich Choral Society. For services to Music.

Mr Gerald Thomas NICKLESS – For services to the community in Shifnal

.Mrs Kathryn Coral FOSTER – For Charitable and Voluntary Service to Alzheimer’s Research UK, to Heritage and to the community in Shropshire. (to be presented at a later date)