Isle of Wight names in Queen's Platinum Jubilee Honours

Handed an MBE, Jamie Brenchley is the Isle of Wight Council's housing needs manager and is honoured for his services to homeless people, particularly during the pandemic.

He said: "I am very humbled to be recognised for the part I play within our local system. However, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. 

"I am very blessed to work alongside the most wonderful colleagues, system partners and service providers who have and continue to collaborate on a mission to end homelessness here on the Island."

Jamie Brenchley.

He said: "I've spent my career trying to make a positive difference to the lives of Island people who have or are experiencing adversity. I am very proud of the impact and progress that I have led in recent years but am acutely aware that we are in the eye of a perfect storm.

"There is still so much more we need to do to ensure everyone on the Island has a place to call home. It is vital we continue on a positive trajectory and ensure we provide the very best services within the constraints of the resources we have available.

"The work I have done is not extraordinary, it has simply been about showing compassion and being kind, seeing people, not labels. Taking time to actively listen to people's journey. Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Meanwhile, two Islanders have received British Empire Medals.

Legal assistant Margaret Beacham, chair of Ryde Sea Cadets, is awarded for her voluntary service to young people.

Margaret Beacham.

She told the Isle of Wight County Press: "I didn't tell anyone about the award. They are all waking up to the news.

"I'm so thrilled. It's their Ryde Sea Cadets unit and I just want it to be the best it can be!"

Margaret says she is overwhelmed by the honour and she hopes it will inspire others to volunteer and support their local community

The Isle of Wight Council's library service manager, Robert Jones, said he was honoured and "somewhat surprised" to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to public libraries.

Rob has worked in children's, school and public libraries as well as teaching ICT in one of the Island's secondary schools. He is passionate about the difference that libraries can make to people's lives and works with a great team of people that makes this happen. 

Rob Jones.

He said: "I was honoured to have been nominated for this award although somewhat surprised too.

"It is lovely to have your work recognised in this way. I remain passionate about the value of reading for pleasure and how libraries support people's lives in so many ways and will continue to do so.

"I am lucky to still work with a great team of people that share my passion and without whom I would not have received this award so I see this as a big thank you to them too."

Meanwhile Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue's chief fire officer, Neil Odin, has been handed the Queen's Fire Service medal.