Catherine Chatters, Adam Elcock, Janet Moyles, Peter Lees and Nick Ainley named in Queen's Birthday Honours

AN environmental project leader, military fundraiser and childhood education expert are among local people who were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Catherine Chatters from Totton was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her work tackling the spread of non-native plants as an officer at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT); chartered surveyor Adam Elcock from Christchurch was made an MBE for his fundraising efforts on behalf of New Milton-based Pilgrim Bandits charity; and Barton resident Janet Moyles was recognised with an OBE for her world leading research into early childhood education.

Former neurosurgeon and medical director at Southampton University Hospitals, Peter Lees, from Brockenhurst, was made an MBE for services to medical leadership as chief executive of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management.

And New Milton resident Nick Ainley was made an MBE for services to disabled people to honour his work with the Kingston-based charity EnhanceAble after recently stepping down as chairman after 14 years.

As part of HIWWT’s New Forest Non-Native Plant Project, Catherine's work has focused on removing Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed, which threaten native wildlife.

Catherine said: "I feel very honoured to have been awarded the British Empire Medal for my work. However, the success of this project is a result of the hard work, enthusiasm and co-operation of many other people including our wonderful volunteers, the landowners, professional contractors, my colleagues at the Wildlife Trust and staff from a wide range of organisations. I would therefore like the award to be regarded as recognition of all their help and support for the project."

Following a career in the military, Adam Elcock retrained as a chartered surveyor and launched Elcock Associates in 2007. He now combines adventure and fundraising on behalf of Pilgrim Bandits, having previously cycled New Zealand, climbed Mont Blanc, kayaked to Bordeaux, and hosted a number of black tie events.

Adam said he was "totally humbled" to be made an MBE adding: “As a former soldier, this is close to my heart. I look forward to continuing the fundraising and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

Professor emeritus of educational research at Anglia Ruskin University, Janet Moyles is a world-renowned expert on early childhood education and the author of a number of books including Just Playing? and The Excellence of Play.

Senior education lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, Dr Paulette Luff, said: “This honour for Janet is very well deserved. She always sets the highest standards for those she works with and even higher standards for herself. She is a supportive mentor and an energetic advocate for young children’s play and for the professional development of early years practitioners.”

Peter Lees has led the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management since it was established by UK medical royal colleges in 2011. The organisation promotes research into medical leadership and supports doctors and dentists to become leaders for patient care.

Mr Lees said: “I see this as a validation of the value and importance of medical leadership in healthcare which has been emphasised so much during the pandemic.

“I am indebted to the incredible support and dedication of the FMLM team as well as my wife, Doris, and daughter, Hannah.”

Nick Ainley continues to be involved with the Kingston-based disability support charity EnhanceAble, after stepping down as chairman last year.

Established 65 years ago, EnhanceAble supports people of all ages with disabilities through a variety of provisions, including one-to-one home support, daytime services, short breaks, respite care and after-school clubs.

Nick said “The work EnhanceAble does to support the local community is outstanding. During my time as a trustee, and chair, I have met some amazing people, both staff and service users.

“I am truly grateful for this award, for doing something that has been a privilege and an honour and provided me with so much joy and satisfaction over the years."