County champions receive the Suffolk Medal
Five individuals who have made a positive and lasting difference to local people and their quality of life have been awarded the coveted Suffolk Medal on Saturday (21 June).
The accolades were presented during a ceremony in Lowestoft to mark Suffolk Day, which brings together schools, businesses, families and residents to celebrate the people, places, traditions and institutions which make the county so special.
The recipients are:
- Phil Aves – who held senior roles with the police before becoming figurehead of the inspirational Lowestoft Rising project, which had a hugely positive impact on some of the town’s most vulnerable residents while also boosting the aspirations of young people.
- Wilfrid George – who played a vital role in opening up footpaths which were blocked during the war for others to enjoy, while also creating beautifully hand-drawn maps which have since become sought-after collectors’ items.
- Andrew Harston – who dedicated his working life to developing the UK’s seaports, attracting significant new investment and creating valuable new jobs, and whose contribution was recently recognised with an MBE in the King’s birthday honours.
- Mark Pendlington DL – a Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk who has played a major role in nearly all aspects of Suffolk life, including business, education, sustainability and economic development, and is viewed by many as an exemplar of civic duty.
- Martin Seeley – former Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, who has inspired diverse congregations and communities and used his wisdom, humility and good humour to steer the county in matters of faith.
The medals were presented following a welcome from Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston and Cllr Nasima Begum, Mayor of Lowestoft, and after local school children have read out the Suffolk Day proclamation.
The celebrations continued as the opening parade for the First Light Festival begins at East Point Pavilion at 11am.
Hannah Bloom, Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, which coordinates the Suffolk Medal, said: “We were delighted to once again arrange this year’s Suffolk Medal ceremony, which will see the accolade presented to five individuals who have dedicated their lives to championing our county.
“The medal recognises and rewards the people whose exceptional contributions have made a measurable and lasting difference to Suffolk, and is the highest honour that can be made by Suffolk to an individual.
“It was a pleasure to see Phil, Wilfrid, Andrew, Mark and Martin receive their accolades. There are so many wonderful people in our county so please do consider nominating if you know of someone who is doing something above and beyond. It would be especially lovely to see a diverse range of medal recipients next year.”
Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston, presented the medals. She said: “I am delighted that this year all the festivities of Suffolk Day are being launched in beautiful Lowestoft, the easternmost town in the United Kingdom, where the light from the Rising Sun first reaches the British mainland. A hugely significant day for the whole county.
It is synonymous with the annual Investiture of the Suffolk Medal our county’s highest honour to one of its own.
This unique award only goes to the very best of the best, whose extraordinary contribution to life in Suffolk we are all so very proud and grateful for. This year we salute Philip Aves, Wilfred George, Andrew Harston, Mark Pendlington DL and The Rt Revd Dr Martin Seeley.
We wish you all, your families and friends, a huge thank you. Three cheers for Suffolk”
Cllr Begum said: “It is an honour to welcome everyone to Lowestoft to celebrate Suffolk Day this year. Being home to Britain’s most easterly point, Lowestoft is the perfect place to celebrate this year’s theme of being the ‘sunrise county’. With its beautiful beaches, rich heritage and mix of historic and modern architecture, the sun really does shine on Lowestoft.”
For more information about Suffolk Day, visit www.suffolkday.co.uk
For more information about the Suffolk Medal or to make a nomination, visit www.thesuffolkmedal.org.uk