Seven people from Winchester recognised in New Year Honours list

Special honours are given to people who make outstanding contributions to their community and the country, with the New Year Honours acknowledging 1,227 people in the UK.

They range from politicians, musicians and actors to senior diplomats and elite sports stars.

Local heroes are also recognised for their hard work for charity and the community each year. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The New Year’s Honours list recognises the exceptional achievements of people across the country and those who have shown the highest commitment to selflessness and compassion. 

“To all honourees, you are the pride of this country and an inspiration to us all.”

Take a look at the list below to see who has been honoured from the Winchester district and the surrounding area.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Helen Margaret Leadbitter. For services to Young Carers (Winchester)

Jeff Stelling. Lately Broadcaster, Sky Sports. For services to Sport, to Broadcasting and to Charity (Bishop's Waltham)

The Rev Professor Elizabeth Bridget Stuart. Lately Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Winchester. For services to Higher Education (Winchester)

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Tina Ruth Coldham. Participation, Involvement and Engagement Advisor, NIHR. For services to Inclusive Patient and Public Involvement in Research (Winchester)

Rachael Greenwood. For services to the community in Bramdean and Hinton Ampner, Alresford. (Alresford)

Kirsty Elizabeth Tilley. Programme Manager, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence and to Inclusion (Winchester)

King's Police Medal (KPM)

Annabel Sarah Jane Berry. lately Superintendent, Hampshire Constabulary (Hampshire)

Helen Leadbitter, who runs the Young Carers Initiative, said that she had been surprised by her nomination.

Helen Leadbitter received an MBE for her services to young carers (Image: Helen Leadbitter)She told the Chronicle: “I was incredibly surprised and proud and pleased.

“I have worked in the field of young carers for more than 20 years, and during the pandemic had a focus on how isolated and vulnerable they had become, but I was just doing my job.

“I want to thank all the young people who have been so open and honest with me when reaching out to them, as well as my colleagues across different organisations and the carers movement in general. They have been really supportive of anyone across the professional sector who keeps young carers in their mind.

“Having worked in the young carers sector for over 20 years, and having liaised with government departments, in terms of future plans I will continue to campaign and advocate on behalf of young carers. I will be working to identify and reduce the vulnerabilities of young carers.”

Helen is currently working with the Hampshire Young Carers Alliance.

KPM recipient Annabel Berry, also known as Bel, said: “It has been such a lovely surprise and I didn’t expect it in my wildest dreams. I always wanted to join the police - it’s easy to do something that you love, and I love seeing people flourish and succeed.

Annabel Berry received a KPM for services to policing (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)“I have delivered the Aspire course to hundreds of people from under-represented backgrounds and am proud that I have been able to help people champion themselves and build their confidence.

“I have enormous gratitude to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and the College of Policing for giving me the opportunity to work nationally doing something I am so passionate about and that I have found so incredibly fulfilling.

“I cannot thank my wife Tina enough for her un-dwindling support, patience and love throughout my career.”