THE “unfailing dedication” of long-serving Camelsdale Primary School staff member Patricia Venton was recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.
Mrs Venton, who is business manager, leadership team member, head of the admin team, security officer, swimming co-ordinator and support staff governor was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to education.
Headteacher Sarah Palmer said: “Patricia has been a loyal member of the Camelsdale school team for almost 33 years, supporting the school through many significant changes in state education.
“This is a truly wonderful recognition of her unfailing dedication and commitment.
“Camelsdale is tremendously lucky to have her and we congratulate Patricia on this momentous award.”
Fellow Haslemere resident Dr Elizabeth McDonnell, who was formerly head of biomass electricity policy at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, was delighted to be awarded an OBE for services to bioenergy policy.
Dr McDonnell, who retired last June after 27 years of service, has lived in the area since 1994.
She said: “The award is in recognition for my work on the introduction and promotion of sustainability requirements to the UK bioenergy industry, though I have been involved in environmental protection throughout my career.
“It is a great honour to receive such an award and quite caught me by surprise.
“I am extremely proud and happy and I thank all my colleagues over the years for all their hard work and support. This award is a reflection of all the hard work carried out by the Civil Service to ensure our environment is protected and improved.”
Also honoured, was Surrey’s Chief Fire Officer Russell Pearson, who was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for outstanding service to the emergency services and the public.
Detective Constable Alice Barr, who became a family liaison officer in 2001, joining the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team in 2010, was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in recognition for her services to supporting families of victims of homicide.