A CHURCH organist says he is proud and humbled after being recognised in the New Year’s Honour list.

Graham Wadley, from Wivenhoe, has played the organ during choir practice and services at St Mary’s Church in the town for more than 50 years.

Now he will be awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to church music.

Mr Wadley said: “The application initially went in five years ago so it was a nice surprise to receiving the good news.

“It’s something to be very proud of - it’s very humbling.”

Even though letters are sent to people receiving awards in advance, they are not allowed to share the news beyond close family.

The dedicated organist explained how he found out about his honour.

Mr Wadley said: “The letter arrived in November but it’s quite a funny story.

“I came home one evening and opened the front door and picked up the post on the floor.

“I’d just filed my tax return and as I was have a quick glance through the letters there was an envelope which said ‘On Her Majesty’s Service’ on the front.

“My initial thought was ‘Oh no, what have I done wrong here?’ “Thankfully when I opened the letter it was nothing to do with my taxes.”

Mr Wadley moved to Wivenhoe when he was just six weeks old and joined the choir at St Mary’s as a seven-year-old.

By the time he was 13 he began to learn to play the organ.

At St Mary’s in 1975, he married his wife, Hilary, who he met through the choir.

The couple had three children, James, Lucy and Emily and all three also sang in the choir.

While other honours are given by the Queen or Prince of Wales, the British Empire Medal is awarded by Lord Lieutenants who represent the Crown in each county.

Mr Wadley said he was looking forward to receiving the award.

He said: “I believe the arrangements still need to be made but I’m sure it will be a nice celebration.

“The Lord Lieutenant does the presentation and it’ll take place locally.

“There’s also a garden party at Buckingham Palace but I don’t know whether the Royal Wedding will affect plans for that.”

The organist has been dedicated to the instrument for more than 40 years through his involvement with the Society for Church Music.

He is also a trustee and director of governing councils for the Royal School of Church Music.

Gazette:

Sonia Lewis takes part in a tea party to promote the Rotary campaign to wipe out polio

A DEDICATED volunteer has spoken of her “rather special” honour for services to the community.

Sonia Lewis has volunteered for a number of Colchester charities and groups spanning almost 50 years.

Now in her eighties, Mrs Lewis, a former Mayor of Colchester, said being awarded a British Empire Medal in this year’s New Years Honours list would not have been possible on her own.

She said: “I was very pleased when I got the notice in November.

“I feel it is a great honour and I accept it knowing there are many people in Colchester who have done as much as I have.

“I didn’t get this honour for the services I did for Colchester without the support of many people.

“Community work is a community event.”

Over the years, Mrs Lewis, who is married to Keith and has three great grandchildren, has been - among other things - an enthusiastic baker who has put her cakes forward to raise cash for causes too.

Mrs Lewis has volunteered for Age Concern, the League of Hospital Friends, Colchester Rotary Club, Colchester Care Network and Shopmobility.

She is also a founder member of the Lexden History Group.

But it all started in 1970 when Mrs Lewis organised the meals on wheels service for villages around Colchester for Women’s Royal Volunteer Service.

Reflecting on her many achievements, Mrs Lewis added: “I think my proudest achievement was sitting on the steering committee that obtained the finances for the original CT scanner at Colchester Hospital.”

In 2014 she retired from being a Conservative councillor for the borough’s Lexden ward.

Mrs Lewis had served the ward since 1992 but added she was pleased the honour separated her work with people from politics.

Mrs Lewis continues to volunteer for a number of groups and charitable events, adding she does so because she “is a community person.”

Paul Smith, leader of Colchester Council, said: “I think it’s a very well deserved award for Sonia.

“She has served Colchester in a large number of ways for almost her entire adult life.

“As political opponents we fought several elections against each other but it was always respectful.”

He added: “She was also a fantastic councillor for the residents of Lexden.

“And subsequently I like to think she would consider me a friend.”
Gazette:

Council social care boss Dave Hill is on cloud nine

A CBE recipient says he will never forget the moment he found out he was being awarded in the New Year’s Honours.

Dave Hill, Essex County Council’s executive director of social care and education, described the moment he found out he was in line for the award.

He said: “This is a tremendous honour and I am absolutely delighted.
“It was certainly an emotional moment for myself and my family when the letter telling me the news arrived and one I’ll never forget.

“It is a wonderful thing to be recognised for the professional contribution you’ve made and the positive impact you’ve had on the careers and lives of others.”

Having originally trained as a social worker, Mr Hill joined the council in 2010 after working for local authorities since 1977.

David Finch, the leader of Essex County Council, paid tribute to Mr Hill.

He said: “Dave’s leadership and stewardship of two of the most important roles in public services - keeping vulnerable children and adults safe - has been inspirational. 

“On behalf of all members here, I offer him our congratulations.”

Gazette:

Tiptree's Roy Banks

SURPRISED Roy Banks has been awarded British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for his services to his village.

The-78-year-old is a verger at St Luke’s Church, in Tiptree. Having moved to the village in 1987, he has run the youth amateur dramatic society for almost a decade.

He has been recognised for his work in the latest honours list. 

Mr Banks, who runs KYDS, said: “I was absolutely stunned to receive it. 

“I have no idea who nominated me or even why. I do my bit in the village and always have, but I do it because I enjoy doing it, not for any recognition.

“I had a letter come through from the cabinet office saying that I was nominated for a BEM awardand I was delighted.”

To find out more about the group, go to kyds.org.uk.