New Year's Honours: Northamptonshire
A look at people from Northamptonshire who've been recognised in this year's New Year's Honours List
The New Year's Honours list has been released, recognising the achievements of thousands of people from across Britain.
This year’s recipients include dedicated foster carers, role models in women's sports, committed health workers, champions of the arts, and supporters of young people.
Every part of the UK is represented in the List, from the Western Isles to Liskeard in Cornwall.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“This year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.
“Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today.”
A snapshot of some of the people included in this New Year's Honours list - and their stories
Jenifer Fell - BEM
Jenifer Fell and her husband moved to Hellidon in 1966, where she immediately immersed herself in village activities, enriching the lives of villagers and welcoming newcomers.
She quickly became a key member of the Hellidon Players drama group and has made a lifelong contribution to the maintenance and enhancement of the village church.
For over fifty years, she has diligently opened and closed the church daily, rarely missing a day despite adverse weather or ill health, ensuring it remains accessible and welcoming.
She has been instrumental in organising church events, including the annual village fete and numerous social gatherings, and has a passion for local history, having written a book and guides about Hellidon.
She has served as the parish clerk for 16 years, joint editor of the Parish News for over 20 years, and a weekly contributor to the local newspaper, all while remaining modest and dedicated to fostering a vibrant community.
Lindsey Carman - BEM
A recently retired Sister on Critical Care at Northampton General Hospital, Lindsey has worked there for over 20 years, with a total of over thirty-five years as a qualified nurse.
Following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she dedicated herself to charity fundraising for debilitating and devastating illnesses.
Lindsey created the 'Big Wig Ball', a fundraising event that has raised over £250,000 across three events for charities including Cancer Research UK, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Multiple System Atrophy Trust.
During the pandemic, while shielding due to vulnerability, she helped establish a peer support service for staff, which trained twenty colleagues to assist with mental health challenges.
Robin Kenneth Marriott - BEM
As a volunteer, Robin took over the responsibility for running and maintaining the Pastures Community Centre from the local council.
To secure the centre's future and provide protection from budget cuts, he set up a charity and signed a 30-year lease and management agreement with the council.
Despite being entirely self-taught, he manages the day-to-day running personally, and his efforts have made the centre completely self-funding, generating almost twice the gross income as before.
Susan Elizabeth Watson - MBE
Susan's career in nursing and social care spans nearly five decades, beginning in 1976, and includes diverse experience, such as working on a cruise liner, in prison settings, and in hospitals in Iran.
She retrained as a mental health nurse, later specialising in geriatric care, and is now committed to dementia care, where she serves as the Home Manager at Pytchley Court care home in Northampton.
Under her leadership, she dramatically transformed Pytchley Court, elevating its Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating from "Inadequate" upon her arrival in 2018 to "Outstanding" in 2024.
She successfully embedded the home within the local community by running events, welcoming the local agricultural college for a garden project, hosting visits from local nurseries and schools, and opening a dementia cafe.
Her outstanding service and dedication to dementia care were formally recognised when she was named a finalist in the "Outstanding Contribution to Dementia" category at the 2024 Dementia Care Awards.
She has shown that her commitment to her work creates a positive impact and outcome for those affected by dementia.