Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant Mohammed Saddiq is launching a campaign to get more people from the county nominated for national honours.
He is writing to every town and parish council and community organisation across the historic county of Somerset, from Bath to Taunton, from Weston-super-Mare to Frome, with the message “Do something amazing for someone amazing.”
And he wants every member of the public to think about the people they know who deserve recognition.
Today Mr Saddiq said: “I am quite certain there are many unsung heroes out there who deserve to be recognised through the UK Honours system. I am keen that nominations should reflect the full breadth and character of this wonderful county of ours.”
Each year, honours are awarded to individuals across the country for outstanding achievement or to those people who go “above and beyond” in the service of others. Anyone can nominate and anyone can be nominated. A nomination can come from a colleague, a friend, a fellow committee member, or an organisation that has seen someone’s contribution first-hand.
Mr Saddiq added: “We have such amazing people across all our communities including the volunteer who has run the village hall committee for twenty years.
Maybe it’s someone who bell rings and bakes cakes for fundraising, the bereaved parent who has channelled their grief to campaign, raise awareness and fundraise tirelessly for brain cancer.
“It could be the retired teacher who quietly mentors and tutors young people outside school hours or the carer who has supported neighbours through illness and bereavement, without ever asking for thanks.
“The sports coach, the choir leader, the community first responder, the person who organised flood relief when the river broke its banks. These are the people who hold our communities together and who do wonderful things locally day after day. Honours are for them just as much as for those in the public eye.”
More details about how to make an Honours nomination can be found on the Lord Lieutenant’s website: https://somersetlieutenancy.com or email honours@somerset.gov.uk.
Full details and the nomination form can be found at www.gov.uk/honours.
