Story Highlight
– Brian Kinsley Rees awarded MBE for farm safety contributions.
– Ellie Goulding recognized with MBE for climate advocacy.
– Roger Phillips receives OBE for community service in Herefordshire.
– Esther Mary Eleanor Wilson earns MBE for foster care support.
– Jocelyn Daphne Finnigan honored for heritage and charity work.
Full Story
Several distinguished individuals have been recognised in the latest honours list, reflecting a commitment to community service, agriculture, and environmental advocacy. Among those celebrated are a dedicated farmer, a prominent nursery co-founder, a committed foster carer, and the longstanding chairman of Herefordshire Council.
Brian Kinsley Rees, a farmer from Abbeycwmhir, has received an MBE for his substantial contributions to farm safety. His family-run farm boasts a flock of 700 sheep and 16,000 free-range laying hens. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, Brian established an independent health and safety training and consultancy business in the early 1980s. His expertise extends across a wide spectrum of farm safety issues, including animal handling, machinery operation, and pesticide regulation.
Throughout his career, he has made it his mission to improve safety standards in the farming sector. “Our industry is no different to any other – unless you have the employers and decision-makers on board, other health and safety activities in the workforce can be far less effective,” Rees asserts. His involvement is not just limited to advisory roles; he actively engages with farmers, delivering hands-on training in safe practices, and befittingly involves managers and supervisors in these sessions to foster a culture of safety on farms.
As chair of the Wales Farm Safety Partnership, Brian has played a pivotal role in uniting key stakeholders to enhance safety measures in Welsh agriculture. He reflects that his passion for this cause has roots in his early days with Young Farmers Clubs and his later work with organisations such as the National Farmers’ Union. Through these platforms, he has consistently advocated for heightened health and safety awareness, a mission that mirrors his belief that education and collaboration are crucial for progress.
Generously sharing his knowledge, Brian’s extensive experience includes serving as an expert witness for the Health and Safety Executive and participating as a member of the IOSH Rural Industries Group. His service to the agricultural community has not gone unnoticed, as he has also received the Lantra Wales Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions.
Another pair receiving MBEs in this year’s honours list are Neil Lloyd Lewis and Sasha Nicole Lewis, co-founders of Tiny Toes Nursery located in Southampton, Hampshire. The couple, now residents of Powys, have made significant strides in early years education, shaping the experiences and learning opportunities for countless children.
Foster carer Esther Mary Eleanor Wilson from Llandrindod Wells has also been recognised with an MBE for her dedicated service to foster care, further highlighting the importance of fostering within community frameworks.
From the realm of the arts, internationally renowned singer Ellie Goulding has been awarded an MBE for her efforts towards biodiversity and climate issues. The pop star, who has established herself as a global ambassador for the UN concerning environmental initiatives, first gained attention with her hit single “Starry Eyed.” Her accolades include several chart-topping albums in the UK, showcasing her artistic talent while also leveraging her platform for advocacy on sustainability.
Making an impact at the civic level, Councillor Roger Phillips, who chairs Herefordshire Council, has been appointed an OBE for his long-standing service to the county. Since joining the council in 1997, Phillips has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives that have considerably benefited local economies and improved public services in rural areas. His stewardship has led to transformative projects including the establishment of key infrastructure that enhances the region’s connectivity and access to resources.
As a well-respected figure in Herefordshire, Phillips attributes much of his success to collaborative efforts with community members and fellow council members, stating, “Herefordshire has a remarkable culture of collaboration as a community, which has enabled us to continue delivering for local people, and to punch above our weight nationally.” His commitment to the community is reflected in his involvement with various initiatives that prioritise agricultural development, job creation, and local services.
Also making notable contributions to Herefordshire’s cultural and community landscape is Jocelyn Daphne Finnigan, honoured with an MBE for her efforts in heritage and charitable activities. Over a span of 24 years, Finnigan has transformed Homme House, a Grade II* listed property, into a sustainable hub for local heritage, enabling community engagement while securing necessary restoration funding through inventive business ventures rooted in local culture.
Her dedication to preservation is matched by her philanthropic endeavours, raising substantial funds for charities, including St Michael’s Hospice, through various events. Her multifaceted involvement in both heritage conservation and community outreach underscores the significance of local stewardship in maintaining cultural assets.
On the frontline of public service, Ian Todd, chief executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, receives an OBE in recognition of his contributions to parliamentary and public service. Meanwhile, Mark Davies, a team leader with the Ministry of Defence, and Phillip James Edward of the Country Park Supporters Group, have both been awarded honours for their committed service in their respective fields.
These recognitions celebrate the extraordinary contributions made by individuals across various sectors, embodying a spirit of dedication and community upliftment that serves as an inspiration for others. Each honouree has demonstrated a profound commitment to enhancing their fields, making meaningful changes that resonate throughout Herefordshire and beyond.
Our Thoughts
The article highlights the recognition of individuals for their contributions to various sectors, particularly in agriculture and safety. While there are no direct incidents or breaches of UK health and safety legislation mentioned, we can infer key safety lessons from Brian Kinsley Rees’s efforts in promoting farm safety.
To avoid potential incidents on farms, it is essential to conduct regular risk assessments as mandated by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Additionally, ensuring that all workers receive adequate training in safe operating procedures for machinery and animal handling, following the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, could prevent accidents.
There should also be clear communication and involvement of both employers and employees in safety practices, as emphasized by Rees. This collaborative approach can align safety measures with the practical realities of farm work, ultimately fostering a culture of safety. Establishing protocols and training programs tailored to specific farm activities, in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, is vital in minimizing risks in the agricultural sector. Implementing these recommendations could significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and improve overall safety standards.
