By Isle of Wight Observer
Cowes Yacht Squadron hosted the annual Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards, supported by the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association for the South East (SERFCA), with recipients from across the services, statutory uniformed services, and the Island’s voluntary sector.
Retired Commander Tony Strickland welcomed award recipients and guests to the event, with Retired Brigadier Maurice Sheen introducing the presentation, and Colonel Patrick Crowley outlining the work of SERFCA.
The IW Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Susie Sheldon, presented British Empire Medals to the former chairman of Chale Parish Council and ex-premier league referee, Ron Groves, and former Shanklin Mayor and chairman of Shanklin Voluntary Youth Centre, Jon Gilbey.
Staff Sergeant Instructor Sebastian Jones was presented with the Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Award. Lance Corporal Christopher Jenkins was awarded the Hover Travel Best Reservist Award and staff sergeant instructor, Steve Williams, received the Cadet Forces Medal for 12-years service.
Police Detective Sergeant Jamie Wilkinson and PCs Nigel Allen and Scott Cooper received Exemplary Service Awards, and there were 20-year citations from HMP Isle of Wight for recipients Dean Stuber, Gavin Symmans, Rebecca Rufus, Geoff Higgins, Kerry Baxendale, Daniella French and Donna Saunders.
Royal British Legion volunteer Betty Bilk, from Cowes, received a Long Service Bar for 70 years service and the Lord Lieutenant introduced her Cadets for 2023-24; Cadet Sergeant Will Burr, Cadet Corporal Maisie Henderson, and Cadet Corporal Chloe Stemmet.
The evening also included inspirational talks from the outgoing Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet Annabel Boag, IW Council Armed Forces Champion Ian Dore, and a local military update from Commodore Rob Bellfield.