The New Year’s Honours list marks the achievements and services from people across the UK. It is a time when community champions, who go the extra mile often putting others’ needs before their own, can be recognised on a national level.
Those who make it to the list come from all walks of life, standing out in their particular field for their continued efforts to make a real difference.
We have put together a list of all those from Basingstoke and surrounding areas.
Knighthood
Ranil Jayawardena: The former Member of Parliament for North East Hampshire has been knighted for his political and public service.
Ranil Jayawardena
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Alan Titchmarsh (Alton): The beloved broadcaster and horticulturist from Alton has been honoured for his services to horticulture and charity.
Alan Titchmarsh
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Jo Hamilton (Hook): Former sub-postmaster and now a passionate campaigner has been recognised for her work in promoting justice for Post Office scandal victims. A 66-year-old mother-of-two, she was wrongfully convicted in 2008. She went on to be a founding member of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance (JFSA) and one of the 555 litigants in the successful group legal action of Bates & Others v Post Office Ltd. Her criminal conviction was overturned in April 2021.
Jo Hamilton Dr Kay Catherine Sheila Hilary Linnell (Basingstoke): Dr Linnell specialises in forensic accounting, financial disputes and areas of litigation support including civil, family and criminal matters. She has been honoured for her services to justice in relation to Post Office scandal.
Dr Kay Linnell (Image: Supplied) Colonel (Rtd) Audrey Jean Smith (Aldershot): A life vice-president and trustee of the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association, Col. Smith has been recognised for her services to female veterans. She live in Aldershot.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
David Peter Clarkson (Fleet): The Ofcom director has been honoured for his contributions to telecommunications.
Nicholas Martin Christopher Parker (Basingstoke): As the Department of Health and Social Care’s Head of Freight, Mr Parker has been recognised for his role in supporting the operations of the health and care system. He lives in Basingstoke.
Megan Kay Robinson (Hook): The headteacher of Elvetham Heath Primary School in Fleet has been honoured for her services to education. She resides in Hook.
Catherine Louise Walton (Basingstoke): A chief engineer and technical lead at the Home Office, Ms Walton has been recognised for her public service. She is from Basingstoke.