From the courtroom to the touchline, Bedford’s contribution to the New Year’s Honours List for 2026 spans public service, safety, sport and community life, with five local recipients recognised.
The Bedford recipients include one CBE, one OBE, one MBE and two BEMs. The full Bedfordshire list includes 12 honourees.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, said: “This year’s New Year’s Honours List reflects the extraordinary breadth of talent, compassion and commitment found across Bedfordshire.
“It recognises those whose work has had national and international impact, many individuals who serve their local communities with dedication and care and an outstanding contribution within the justice system, transforming how families are supported”.
“Together, these honours celebrate people who have made a real difference to the lives of others and whose service makes our county and country a better place for all”.
Bedford honours
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
His Honour Judge Patrick Perusko, Designated Family Judge, Family Drug and Alcohol Court. For services to the administration of justice.
His Honour Judge Patrick Perusko was appointed as a Circuit Judge in 2016 and later became the Designated Family Judge for Milton Keynes in 2020.
He has been recognised for his work in family justice, including his commitment to the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) model, which supports parents to address underlying issues through a problem-solving, non-adversarial approach.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Dr Hywel Davies, Head of Technical Insight, Chartered Association of Building Engineers. For services to building safety and standards.
Dr Hywel Davies, Hon FCIBSE, has held senior technical roles, including a long-standing Technical Director at the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, and is now Head of Technical Insight at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers.
Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, his expertise helped shape the Building Safety Act 2022, the most significant reform of building and fire safety legislation in 50 years.
He has also chaired the Building Regulations Advisory Committee and the working group that defined the “Golden Thread” of digital information for high-risk buildings.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
James Keothavong. For services to tennis and tennis umpiring.
James Keothavong is a Gold Badge Chair Umpire who has officiated at more than 75 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments. In September 2025, he completed a “full set” by umpiring men’s singles finals across all four Grand Slam venues.
He also serves on the ITF Rules of Tennis Committee and has been recognised previously as the 2014 Aegon Official of the Year.
Recognised as Aegon Official of the Year in 2014 and regularly involved in grassroots sporting awards, Keothavong’s career has been marked by integrity and excellence.
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
Sonia Hazel, Assurance & Controls Manager (HS2), Network Rail. For services to diversity and inclusion in the rail sector.
Sonia Hazel has worked in the rail sector for more than 20 years and is currently Assurance & Controls Manager (HS2) at Network Rail.
She has been involved in work to advance equity, diversity and inclusion, including through the Cultural Fusion network and the Women in Rail RIA EDI Charter Working Group. She is also a Mental Health First Aider and a Samaritans volunteer.
Her mentorship has supported countless professionals, while her work at Old Oak Common, a major station project set to become a key gateway for HS2, has helped strengthen LGBTQ+ representation.
David Pendall, Volunteer Coach, Bedford Rowing Club. For services to rowing and to young people in Bedford.
David Pendall has given decades of service as a volunteer coach at Bedford Rowing Club, becoming a key figure in the club and a trusted mentor to generations of young people.
Alongside coaching the sport itself, he has focused on building discipline, resilience and teamwork, helping junior athletes of all backgrounds to progress.
His commitment has supported local growth in rowing, and many former students have gone on to achieve regional and national success through his unpaid hours of guidance and technical support.
Bedfordshire honours
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Nicola Marfleet, lately Governing Governor, HM Prison Woodhill, HM Prison and Probation Service. For public service.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Sarah Ashton-May, lately Director for Professional Policy and Practice, Royal College of Midwives. For services to midwifery.
- Cllr Susan Goodchild (Central Bedfordshire Council/Liberal Democrats). For services to local government and the community in Bedfordshire.
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Anna Simmons, Treasurer and Board Member, ASCEL. For services to libraries.
- Amy Watson, Foster Carer. For services to foster care.
- Ross Watson, Foster Carer. For services to foster care.
- Rachel Williams, Volunteer, Church and Community. For services to the community in Toddington.
If you believe someone in Bedford and beyond is deserving of being honoured in this way, you can nominate them online here.
