Local people shine in honours list (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Local people shine in honours list

POSTMISTRESS Jean Sinton is one of several people from the Cotswolds rewarded in the New Year Honours list with an MBE.

Mrs Sinton's post office and shop in Coln St Aldwyns provides a vital service to five hamlets north of Fairford.

And the mother-of-two has run the store for the past 22 years, helped out by her husband Robert on the weekends.

She said: "It was just overwhelming really. It was a total surprise as you don't know whether you have won until the list comes out.

"All my customers seem thrilled - lots of people said I deserved it. We have had the shop for some time and people say they are so pleased to have the facility.

"People have been saying it is nice to hear someone getting an MBE they know and can see has done some good."

The 59-year-old, who has been a parish councillor for more than a decade, also says she is proud her shop has remained open for so long, despite the increasing trend of rural shops closing in recent years.

Cirencester residents Robert Newport, who is camp co-ordinator at Woodlarks Camp in Surrey, and Jane Winstanley, of Cotswold Council for Voluntary Service, also received MBEs this week, while Tetbury resident Peter Workman and Lady Carole Bamford, who lives in Moreton-in-Marsh, were both awarded with prestigious OBEs.

Mr Workman, who is the brainchild behind the International Festival of the Sea, says he was delighted with his award.

The festival, which first took place in 1996, inspired hundreds of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar last summer.

Dynamic displays were expertly choreographed both on land and sea as fleets from across the globe were drawn together for the festival.

Crowds of 250,000 often attend the event and Mr Workman is currently organising when and where the next one will take place.

He said: "I was obviously delighted to be given an OBE, for myself and for the whole team I have worked with since 1996.

"A lot of people have been ringing to congratulate me, which has been very nice indeed. It has all been great."

Lady Carole Bamford received her honour for her work with the NSPCC's Full Stop campaign, which seeks to put an end to child cruelty throughout the country.

She said: "I am stunned and delighted - this is a great honour and I'd like to thank everyone who has supported my NSPCC work over the years."

NSPCC director of fundraising Giles Pegram added: "Lady Bamford has spearheaded fundraising events and projects which have raised millions of pounds to support the NSPCC's work with children - we offer her our warmest congratulations."