Story Highlight
– Farmer Brian Kinsley Rees awarded MBE for farm safety.
– Ellie Goulding recognized for services to biodiversity and climate.
– Cllr Roger Phillips awarded OBE for community contributions.
– Jocelyn Finnigan honored for heritage and charity work.
– Neil and Sasha Lewis recognized for early years education.
Full Story
**Honours and Recognition Awarded to Local Heroes in Herefordshire**
A diverse group of individuals from Herefordshire has been recognised for their exemplary contributions to various fields in the New Year’s Honours List. This year’s list celebrates those who have made considerable impacts within their communities, demonstrating dedication and innovation that has seen them awarded honours ranging from MBEs to OBEs.
Among the notable names is Brian Kinsley Rees from Abbeycwmhir, who has received an MBE for his exemplary services to farm safety. Managing a family farm that boasts 700 breeding ewes, finished lambs, and 16,000 free-range laying hens, Rees has been a prominent figure in the agriculture sector for decades. In addition to his farming responsibilities, he founded an independent health and safety training and consultancy business in the early 1980s, specialising in agricultural health and safety.
Rees’s extensive knowledge covers a wide array of farm safety issues, encompassing all levels of risk management from animal handling to the operation of machinery, as well as various aspects of site safety and pesticide management. Known for his ability to communicate effectively, he has dedicated his career to educating farmers on safer work practices, believing that holistic engagement with both workers and employers is crucial for significant improvements in health and safety standards.
Reflecting on his motivations, Rees states, “Since my time in Young Farmers Clubs in the 1970s and 80s, and later the National Farmers’ Union and the Country Land and Business Association, I have always tried to convince the leaders of our industry of the need to improve health and safety in agriculture.” He has valuable insights into the necessity of securing buy-in from employers to enhance workforce participation in safety activities. His role as chair of the Wales Farm Safety Partnership highlights his commitment to fostering a safer working environment across Welsh farms.
In addition to his MBE honour, Rees has been recognised with several prestigious awards in his field, including the Lantra Wales Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary vice-presidency from the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, acknowledging his significant contributions to agricultural health and safety.
Joining Rees in receiving accolades are Neil Lloyd Lewis and Sasha Nicole Lewis, co-founders of Tiny Toes Nursery in Southampton. The couple, now residents of Powys, have been awarded MBEs for their outstanding services to early years education. Their nursery has become a beacon of quality childcare, impacting the lives of many children and families in the region.
Foster care advocate Esther Mary Eleanor Wilson from Llandrindod Wells also received an MBE for her unwavering commitment to fostering. Her work has been vital in providing safe and nurturing environments for vulnerable children, showcasing the importance of foster care in the community.
Among those receiving recognition is well-known singer Ellie Goulding, who has been awarded an MBE for her environmental advocacy and contributions to climate initiatives. The acclaimed artist, born Elena Jane Goulding in Hereford, has leveraged her influence as a global ambassador for the UN, illustrating how individuals in the arts can impact social change. Since rising to fame in the early 2010s with her debut album, *Lights*, Goulding has interwoven her music career with a passion for sustainability and biodiversity, leading initiatives that encourage environmental stewardship.
Another recipient, Councillor Roger Phillips, has been recognised with an OBE for his substantial service to Herefordshire and its residents. A member of the Herefordshire Council since 1997, Phillips has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have transformed the county’s landscape, particularly in enhancing public services and the local economy. His leadership in various projects, including the Hereford Enterprise Zone, has created thousands of jobs and improved infrastructure, marking a significant evolution in rural community support.
Councillor Phillips noted, “I have been fortunate over many years to have worked with many wonderful people, both inside and outside the county, on projects, events and services we can be rightly proud of.” His long-standing dedication to local governance has not only benefited Herefordshire but has also given the county a formidable voice in national discussions on rural issues.
Jocelyn Daphne Finnigan has also received an MBE, recognising her long-term commitment to heritage and charity in Herefordshire. Over the past 24 years, she has revitalised the historic Homme House, preserving a vital community asset and establishing it as a sustainable entity. Her efforts in fundraising have also benefited local charities significantly, showcasing how heritage preservation can be aligned with community engagement.
In addition to these honourees, other notable figures from Herefordshire include Ian Todd, Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, who has been awarded an OBE for his public service contributions, and Dean Mark Davies from the Ministry of Defence, honoured with an MBE for his services to defence.
These achievements reflect the resilience and dedication of individuals in Herefordshire, illustrating the strong sense of community and commitment that continues to drive local progress across multiple sectors. The New Year’s Honours List serves not only as a recognition of past accomplishments but also as inspiration for future generations to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Our Thoughts
The article highlights the recognition of various individuals for their contributions, particularly in health and safety within agriculture. While it does not detail any incidents or breaches of health and safety regulations, it emphasizes the importance of farm safety awareness and training.
To avoid potential accidents in farming, there should be a more rigorous implementation of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which requires employers to ensure the health and safety of their workers. Comprehensive training programs, like those advocated by Brian Kinsley Rees, are essential. Regular risk assessments, effective communication between management and employees, and hands-on training can significantly reduce risks associated with machinery and livestock.
Key safety lessons include the need for proactive engagement in health and safety practices and fostering a culture of safety among all staff. Encouraging farmers to participate in training and adhere to safety protocols can lower the incidence of accidents.
Although the article does not specify breaches, the lack of adherence to safety legislation by employers in the agricultural sector can lead to severe consequences. Continuous improvement in safety standards is critical, and similar incidents can be prevented through proactive measures, ongoing training, and collaboration across the industry.
