A senior court service leader and a Bedfordshire minister recognised for her work in education and inter-faith relations are among seven people from Bedfordshire named in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026.
The honours recognise people who have made outstanding contributions through public service, professional achievement, volunteering and community work.
Two Bedford residents were honoured this year, alongside recipients from Central Bedfordshire and Luton.
OBE for Bedford court service leader
Mark Stewart, Courts and Tribunals Director at HM Courts & Tribunals Service, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for public service.
Mr Stewart has been recognised for his leadership within the courts and tribunals system, helping to improve the effectiveness, accessibility and resilience of services across the justice system.
The honours citation highlights his work supporting court users, staff and the wider modernisation of services, helping to ensure continued access to justice during challenging periods.
Alongside his professional role, he has supported charitable and community initiatives and encouraged colleagues to volunteer and engage with local causes.
BEM for Bedford minister
The Reverend Sandra Howes, also known as Cassandra Howes, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to education and inter-faith relations in Bedfordshire.
Rev Howes has been recognised for her work bringing together people from different faith backgrounds and promoting understanding, respect and collaboration across communities.
The honour highlights her support for schools and young people, her commitment to education and personal development, and her work supporting vulnerable individuals and families through community initiatives and pastoral care.
She is particularly recognised for helping to build stronger relationships between faith groups through dialogue and shared community projects.
Central Bedfordshire honours
Professor Fiona MacLeod Clark, Head of Capability Electronic Warfare Sensors at Leonardo UK, has been awarded an OBE for services to defence and STEM education.
Professor Clark has played a leading role in developing electronic warfare technology for UK defence while also championing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
The honours citation highlights her work mentoring young people, supporting educational partnerships and encouraging more young people, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to pursue STEM careers.
Wendy Barnes, District Commissioner for Oakley Hunt West Pony Club, receives a BEM for services to children.
She has been recognised for her leadership within the Pony Club and for creating opportunities for young people to learn, volunteer and contribute to their communities.
The award also highlights her work promoting inclusion and helping disabled children and young people access equestrian activities.
Michael James Mitchell, Custodian at the Prime Minister’s Office, receives a BEM for public service.
His award recognises years of dedicated service supporting the smooth running of the Prime Minister’s Office and helping maintain the standards and efficiency of one of the country’s most important public institutions.
Michael Evan West has been awarded a BEM for services to the community in Leighton Buzzard.
He has been recognised for his long-standing commitment to volunteering, charitable work and community projects, as well as his efforts to encourage others to become involved in local initiatives.
Luton recipient
Carolyn Mary Beeton receives a BEM for services to the community in Slip End, Luton.
It’s in recognition of her extensive volunteering, community organising and charitable work, helping to bring residents together and strengthen community life in the village.
She is praised for her willingness to support local causes, often working behind the scenes to help projects succeed and encourage wider participation in volunteering.
‘Extraordinary talent and generosity’
Bedfordshire’s Lord-Lieutenant, Susan Lousada, congratulated all seven recipients.
She said: “One of the great privileges of the honours system is the opportunity to recognise people who quietly and consistently make a difference to the lives of others.
“This year’s recipients demonstrate the extraordinary talent, commitment and generosity that exists across Bedfordshire.
“Among those honoured are individuals whose leadership, expertise and innovation have had a significant impact within their professions and organisations, alongside others whose years of dedicated service have strengthened communities, supported those in need and inspired those around them.
“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to each recipient and thank them for all they have contributed to our county and our country.”
The honours system recognises people who have made exceptional contributions to public life or who have gone above and beyond in serving their communities.
Anyone can be nominated for an honour, with awards recognising achievements in fields including public service, education, business, science, culture, charity work and volunteering.
To find out more about the honours system, visit gov.uk/honours.
