Gwent people awarded in Queen's birthday honours list

CHARITY champions, an Olympic horse vet and a fundraiser who once flashed her bra at Prince Charles were among those honoured in Gwent.

Since Dr Sandy Holt-Wilson retired from his NHS career as an ophthalmologist more than decade ago, he has played a huge role in improving eye care services to people in Ethiopia.

And that work has earned him an OBE.

After working for many years at Gwent hospitals, he went to work in the Gondar region of Ethiopia where for a time he was the only eye surgeon for a population of around 4.5 million people.

Since then, and with the aid of a charity he set up called Gondar (Ethiopia) Eye Sight (GEES), he has built a new eye hospital which now has five doctors.

He said: "I didn't do my work in Ethiopia for this, but it is very nice. I did wonder what was in the envelope though. I thought it was a big parking fine!"

A career dedicated to community and special care dentistry has earned Dr Sue Greening, of the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, an MBE.

A consultant in special care dentistry and clinical director of community dental services with the health board, she qualified in 1977 and has played a key role in the strengthening of community dental services, and of those for disabled people, in Wales.

Former Gwent Police Chief Superintendent Andy Adams, 51, who retired last December after a 30-year career, earned an MBE for services to law enforcement and public protection.

As well as a distinguished career in uniform and CID, including Blackwood and Newport he was seconded to the Home Office and also worked for the Association of Police Chief Police Officers.

Instrumental in the introduction of new and emerging technology, nationally he is an experienced firearms/public order and CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear) Silver Commander.

Dr Tony Calland, of Chepstow, got an MBE for more than 40 years' service to healthcare and to the NHS in Wales.

The GP had a spell as a non-executive director of the former Gwent Health Authority, and has latterly worked for the British Medical Association, first as the chairman of its Welsh council, from 2002-08, and currently as the chairman of its medical ethics committee, a role he has carried out since 2006.

Dorothy Penny, 73, started a PHAB (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied) club in Ebbw Vale to keep people active.

Thirty six years later it is still going strong, now called the Gwent Valleys Integrated Activities Club, and organises trips to Disney theme parks in Florida and Paris.

Her efforts at a providing opportunities for people of all abilities have earned her an MBE.

Abergavenny hot-air balloonist, Christian Brown, got an OBE for his voluntary and charitable services to the community in Monmouthshire.

Mr Brown, 48, Of Llanvihangel Gobion, who also runs a PR company, currently manages the £1 million Heritage Lottery funded project to restore Ebeneser Chapel in Cardiff.

He is an active volunteer sitting on many committees and helps fund the community-run post office, which is twinned with the Port Lockroy post office in Antarctica.

Christine White, 67, got has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her voluntary service through Blackwood-based charity Cancercareline.

Mrs White started with the charity, which provides support to those affacted by cancer, 17 years ago as a counsellor, but is now chairwoman.

She said: "When I saw the envelope I thought, what have I done wrong? But it is a lovely surprise, absolutely marvellous."

Cwmbran community councillor, Margaret Howell, got a BEM for her 40 years in local government.

She said: "I set out to be a voice for the people against the bureaucrats, and I would like to thank the electors for putting me in a position to receive such recognition."

Rugby coach, Dawson Jones, from New Inn, received a MBE for services to school rugby in Torfaen, said the honour was a "big surprise", adding "I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have to get up on a Saturday to coach."

BRACE'S BAKERY chairman, Ernest Colin Brace, 91, has received an OBE in recognition of his life’s work at the Bakery and his commitment to the local community.

Established in 1902 by his grandfather George, he joined the firm in 1946, and took control in 1979. He said he was delighted with the honour.

He said: “I have worked with so many good people and continue to do so today, it makes my role as chairman somewhat easier knowing I have such a dedicated and loyal workforce behind me."

Newport pensioner John Cox, 89, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the community in Hatherleigh, Newport.

Mr Cox, who has been volunteering since the age of 15 said he was "thrilled," with the award.

He has devoted his life to serving the community and is a member of many voluntary organisations including, Newport School Football Association Gwent Police’s Crime Prevention Panel and National Neighbourhood and Home Watch Association.

Vet John McEwen, is honoured with an MBE for his services to equestrian sport.

Mr McEwen, of Tintern, has worked with the British Show Jumping Team since 1978, and the British Dressage Team since 1983. The 2012 London Games was his eighth Olympic Games.

Julia Rennie, 42, best known as one-half of the fundraising Bra Girls was awarded a BEM for her services to Early Years Provision and charity work.

Mrs Rennie, of Monmouth power-walked ten marathons in 12 months in 2011, wearing specially-decorated bras, to raise more than £21,000 for the breast cancer charity Walk The Walk with best friend and work colleague Julie Rogers, 33.

The mum-of-two, who runs Raglan nursery Puddleducks with Ms Rogers famously flashed their bra at Prince Charles at a charity reception.

Also receiving an MBE, for services to education and the community, is Stephan Aylett, former head of physical education, and assistant head teacher, at Brynmawr Foundation School.

The former chair at Melin Homes, Doiran Jones JP, from Pontypool, got an OBE for service to Housing in South Wales, while the musical director for Only Men Aloud, Timothy Rhys Evans, received an MBE.

Jacqueline Gail Williams, co-founder of the Caerwent Community Centre has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her services to the community in Caerwent, Monmouthshire.

The former chair of Welsh Athletics, Lynnette Harries, of Cwmbran, received an MBE for services to Athletics in Wales.