Local UUP MLA Roy Beggs commented: ‘I am pleased that so many people with local connections have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen in her recent birthday Honours.
I am particularly delighted that Mrs Isobel Parke, Caretaker of Glynn Primary School, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Education in Northern Ireland. As a former parent and now School Governor at Glynn PS, I know from first-hand experience that Isobel’s dedication goes way beyond what could be reasonably expected of any employee. She has looked out for the interest of children and indeed the entire community of the Glynn for many decades and well deserves her award.”
Other East Antrim people who have been recognised are Dr Olive Buckley OBE, Mr John Rodgers MBE, Mrs Myrtle Allen BEM, Mrs Isobel Parke BEM, Mr William Pollock BEM Dr Norman Apsley OBE and Mr Trevor Hassin MBE.
Roy added:
“Dr Olive Buckley from Carrickfergus and who has Larne connections has been awarded an OBE for Services to Health Care in Northern Ireland. Olive is a larger than life character who has used new technology to make herself more assessable to those whom she serves as a GP. But Olive is involved in much more than her work as a General Practitioner. As well as working on regional issues, I know she is involved in a number of local activities designed to improve and meet the health needs of the local community.
Dr Norman Apsley OBE Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Science Park has also been awarded an OBE for Services to Science and Economic Development. Dr Apsley who as a former pupil recently addressed prize winners at Larne Grammar Schools Prize Evening, has made a major contribution to helping commercialize the skills of our local academic institutions and the many talented students who pass through them. The NI Science Park had been widely recognised as helping to promote many new innovative and sustainable jobs and to assist the creating of business skills at our Universities. He has been accredited as having played a very significant role in the success of the Science Park.
Mr Trevor Hassin MBE Head of Customer & Standards of the Driver and Vehicle Agency of the DOE a resident of Larne has also been awarded a MBE. The recent Public Accounts Report highlighted that MOT’s in Northern Ireland were provided in a more cost effective manner than the system presently available in England, Scotland and Wales. The extended opening hours and improved customer interfaces has made the service more responsive to the customer.
Mr John Rodgers MBE the founder and Chairman of the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust from Carrickfergus deserves his ward for the great charity work he has carried out.
Mrs Myrtle Allen BEM from Carrickfergus has been awarded the British Empire Medal for voluntary services to the community and charity work on behalf of Action Cancer.
Mr William Pollock also from Carrickfergus has been recognised for his services to young people through the Scout Association by being awarded the BEM.
All these very community minded local people are very deserving of their awards from Her Majesty the Queen.”
ENDS
