County achievers recognised in birthday list

Those in Hampshire whose achievements and efforts have been acclaimed include a headteacher spearheading one of the county’s top special schools and a university academic working to address the world’s ageing population.

Jennifer Boyd is headteacher at Rosewood Special Free School in Southampton and has been made an MBE for her services to special education.

She has led the Aldermoor Road school for 14 years – nearly tripling its roll from 17 to 47 pupils – and converting it to one of the country’s first free schools for children with physical impairments and special educational needs.

Mrs Boyd was former acting headteacher and deputy of the old Ridgeway House School in Pear Tree Avenue has taught in the sector got 34 years.

The 57-year-old, who lives in Hyde with husband James, said: “I’m overwhelmed – it was totally out of the blue and I wasn’t expecting it.

“But it is a reflection of the school’s success and I am very lucky to work with a very talented team of staff behind me.”

Professor Jane Falkingham, a Southampton University academic (pictured above) who is one of the leading voices on global population studies and demographic change, has clinched an OBE for her services to Social Science.

She is the university’s dean of Social and Human Sciences and is director of the ESRC Centre for Population Change.

She has spent nearly 30 years researching global population trends – especially focusing on the impacts on ageing population on the distribution of social and economic welfare.

The 51-year-old from London, who joined Southampton in 2002 after 21 years at the London School of Economics and Political Science, said she is delighted at the award and added: “It recognises the contribution made be myself and the teams of amazing social science researchers and support staff I have had the honour of working with.”

Ian Robert Readhead from Southampton has been awarded an OBE for services to policing and public protection.

He is director of information at the Association of Chief Police Officers and chief executive at the ACRO Criminal Records Office.

Captain Robin Plumley has recieved a Member of the British Empire. Formerly a research ship manager at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, he has been recognised for his
outstanding contribution to advancing the scientific effectiveness of ships operated by the National Environment Research Council.

He was the first captain of the James Cook, which transformed the ability of the UK marine science community to research the ocean environment.

Captain Plumley said: “During my career I have been privileged to command some of the most advanced research vessels in the world.

“To be receiving an MBE for services to marine science is a real honour and gives recognition of the valuable role that scientific research vessels have in furthering our understanding of the ocean."

Gwyn Griffiths, of Southampton, is made an MBE for services to marine science.
Mr Griffiths is the founder and principal of Autonomous Analytics, formed to help companies and organisations that need to use autonomous marine vehicles.

Until 2012 he was chief technologist and the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, having held senior engineering management positions there since 1993.

His knowledge of ocean technology has resulted in him acting as an independent reviewer for projects and proposals in Europe, North America and the UK.

Captain Amir Esmiley of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in Southampton, is made an MBE for services to seafarers.

He joined the agency in 1994 as a marine surveyor and is currently Principal Surveyor and Area Operations Manager.

During his career, he has boarded several vessels in difficulties including the listing Russian cargo ship YAMA in 2005.

He was praised for his calm and professional manner after it arrived safely in port.

He said: “I am delighted to be honoured in this way.

"It’s also a reflection of the great work done by all the MCA Surveyors and surveying staff across the UK to keep people safe while at sea.”

VILLAGE stalwart Lesley Munt is awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the
community.

Mrs Munt has lived in East Boldre for ten years.

She is a founder member of the Mothers’ Union in nearby Brockenhurst and also of the Wednesday
Lunch Club.

She has also the administrator at Brockenhurst Parish Church, where she is affectionately known
as Queen of the Rotas.

Natasha Lambert, from Cowes, will receive the British Empire Medal for her services to charity.

The 17-year-old was born with athetoid cerebral palsy, resulting in her having no control over her limbs, but despite this she has gone on, not only to demonstrate a remarkable determination to lead as normal a life as possible, but also to help others through her fundraising.

In 2010 she did a sponsored walk up Tennyson Down on the Isle of Wight, raising £2,700 for a disabled girl on the island, in 2012 she sailed around the Isle of Wight, raising £17,000 for the RNLI, The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Scope and in 2013 she sailed across the English Channel and raised £7,000 for various charities.

In 2014 she became the YJA Apollo Young Sailor of the Year and at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sports Awards received the Outstanding Personal Achievement of the Year Award.