Tireless champion of York’s history John Oxley has been made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
As the city archaeologist, John spent 30 years investigating and protecting the fabric of the city’s ancient heritage.
He is now retired and lives in Scarborough, but still acts as an adviser on matters of York archaeology.
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The honour was for services to heritage. “When I found out, I was completely blown away at the thought of someone nominating me for this,” he told the York Press.
“To be recognised for my work to heritage at this point in time is really important as it is becoming an issue around the country.”
Barbara Swinn, of Explore York Libraries and Archives, has been awarded the British Empire Medal.
Barbara joined Explore in 2015 as manager of city centre flagship library York Explore and has worked in the libraries sector for over 40 years. She is a passionate advocate for public libraries.
Barbara said: “I am honoured and humbled to have been nominated to receive this award. I firmly believe in the power of libraries to change the lives of individuals.
“This recognition is for all of the Explore team who make a difference every day, in particular the staff at York Explore, our flagship library, who enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to work with artists and creatives, recognising the potential of Explore Labs to enrich well-being.”
She pioneered the award winning Explore Labs project, which brought artists and creatives into libraries to provide exciting activities for existing users and entice new audiences.
Chief executive of Explore Fiona Williams said: “I can think of no one more deserving of this honour than Barbara. Everything she does is driven by a belief in our values and a commitment to deliver the best for the people of York.”
Goathland fire station manager Rose Fearnley of North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal.
Rose has been a firefighter with North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service for over 16 years and in that time has worked tirelessly on behalf of her local community.
Chief Fire Officer Andrew Brodie said: “Rose is not only an inspirational Watch Manager, she is also an exceptional community leader. She has reinvigorated the Volunteer Station at Goathland through her dedication, enthusiasm and skill, and encouraged others in the village to join.”
Awarded honours
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Paul Booth OBE (Yarm)
Chair, Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership. For services to Business and the Economy
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Charles David Forbes Adam (Selby)
For Charitable Fundraising
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Frances Helen Elliot (Harrogate)
Head of Practical Support Services, Harrogate Easier Living Project, and Chief Executive, Harrogate and District Community Action. For services to the community in Harrogate during Covid-19
Martyn Featherstone (Redcar)
Lecturer, The Northern School of Art, Middlesbrough. For services to Further Education
Louise Sarah Hodgson (Harrogate)
Head, Workforce Development Enablers, College of Policing. For services to Policing and Recruitment through the Covid-19 Pandemic
Edith Jayne (New Earswick)
For services to Holocaust Education and Awareness
Ian Michael Kirby (Tadcaster)
For services to BT Global and Business Continuity during Covid-19
John Wilson Oxley (Scarborough)
For services to Heritage
Graeme Thompson (York)
For services to Cultural Regeneration in Sunderland
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire
Dorothy Irene Braithwaite (York)
For services to the community in York
Lauren Amy Doherty (Knaresborough)
Founder, Road Safety Talks. For services to Education
Stephanie Phillip (Skipton)
For services to Dance and Musical Theatre
Barbara Swinn (York)
For services to Explore York Library and Archive Service and to the community in York
Queen’s Fire Service Medal
Rose Elizabeth Fearnley
Watch Manager, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service