Six outstanding Bedfordshire residents were honoured for their service to the community at a special British Empire Medal (BEM) presentation ceremony, held at The Bedford Swan Hotel on Tuesday, 26 March.
Hosted by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, the event recognised individuals named in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024 and New Year Honours 2025. Each was presented with their British Empire Medal on behalf of His Majesty The King.
Read: Everyday Heroes award winner amongst five Bedfordians on King’s New Year’s Honours list
In front of their proud families, friends and community representatives, the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets shared the stories of each recipient, highlighting the impact of their work across the county and beyond.
The recipients were:
- Mr Jaswinder Kumar BEM – For services to charitable works across Bedford
- Mrs Sally Martiello BEM – For services to early years and to communities in Bedford
- Mr Malcolm Chalmers BEM – For services to the community in Wootton
- Mr Robin Gell BEM – For services to sport and to the community in Bedfordshire
- Mr John Kingham BEM – For services to the community in Luton
- Mr David Porter BEM – From Dunstable, for services to local government
Speaking after the ceremony, HM Lord-Lieutenant Susan Lousada said: “It has been a wonderful ceremony to commemorate and celebrate the achievements of these six individuals.
“The ceremony highlights the contributions that these individuals have delivered for their communities within Bedfordshire, as well as in some cases internationally.”
Guests included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Camilla King, Bedford Mayor Tom Wootton, Luton Borough Council CEO Robin Porter, the Deputy Mayor of Dunstable Cllr Sally Kimondo, MP for Bedford Mohammad Yasin.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard and Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst were also in attendance.
New Deputy Lieutenants
Meanwhile, the Bedfordshire Lieutenancy welcomed two new Deputy Lieutenants at a commissioning event, also held at The Swan Hotel.
Alison Bradbury BEM, a charity founder and advocate for sustainable community development, and Edward Phillips, Chief Executive of the Luton Hoo Estate and community volunteer, were formally appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant on 27 March.
“Both Alison and Edward bring to the Bedfordshire Lieutenancy a wealth of experience and a proven track record of serving our community,” said Susan Lousada.
“I wish them both an enjoyable and rewarding term of office, and I am looking forward to working with them across our county.”
