THREE Brecon and Radnorshire residents have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours.
Sue Brook, Barbara Elliot and Roy Palmer were all awarded British Empire Medals in the honours list that was released on Saturday to mark the Queen’s official birthday.
Roy of Woodlands, Llandrindod Wells, has over the years been actively involved with Llandrindod-based cancer support charity the Bracken Trust, the Llandrindod Wells Leg Club, Holy Trinity Church and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The retired factory owner, who was recognised for his services to charity and the community, also has a great love of trains and his garden. He was nominated by his daughter Wendy and supported over the years by his wife Ros.
Sue Brook, who has lived at Cantref near Brecon for 25 years with husband Kim, was given the BEM for her services to the community in Llanfrynach and Cantref.
The former journalist and broadcaster used her skills to enable the community to record the history of their part of the Brecon Beacons.
‘Where We Belong – Life in the Beacons Then and Now’, the book she edited on behalf of Llanfrynach & Cantref WI, has become a very popular and well-thumbed volume by those interested in the social history of the area. She has served on Llanfrynach Community Council, chaired the Community Hall Charity as the hall went through a major rejuvenation, is president of the local WI and since 2009 has compiled and edited the community council newsletter, also called ‘Where We Belong’.
Sue said one of the projects she is most proud of is Ty Bach Llanfrynach Loos, which the community reopened following their closure by Powys County Council.
Many thought the venture would be a “flash in the pan” but several years on she continues to be one of a great group of volunteers on a rota which ensures they are cleaned and inspected every day.
Sue said: “Kim and I think making our home in Cantref means we live in one of the finest communities we can imagine. The British Empire Medal is awarded to people who have made a difference to their community and is very much an award that comes from the grass roots which, for me, makes it the most fantastic compliment ever.”
Llangattock resident Barbara Elliot also picked up a BEM for her services to young people, charity and the community in the village and nearby Crickhowell.
Barbara, who has supported a number of local charities, also worked as a fundraising co-ordinator for many years for the Marie Curie cancer charity having been a volunteer.
She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have received it for what I’ve done over the years. It’s been very rewarding, very successful and something I’ve enjoyed.”