New Year Honours to community

And Wetherby featured with three people, connected to the town, awarded by the Queen for their hard work.

Nigel Gibbs, Unit Head, Appeals and Review Unit, Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, Crown Prosecution Service, was given an OBE for services to Law and Order, Wetherby.

Dr Linda Diane Harris. Chair, Health and Justice Clinical Reference Group, NHS England, also received an OBE, for services to the NHS.

And receiving a BEM was Rosemary Alexandra Gregson, for services to the community in Wetherby.

Rosemary has been an active member of St James Parish Church since moving to the area in the early 1970s and also volunteers with the Children’s Society, Wetherby Drop-In and RAOB.

Son David Gregson said: “It was a lovely surprise for the new year and very unexpected and Mum is thankful for all the kind commendations and its a wonderful start to the new year.

“My Mum has been working both tirelessly and selflessly for the benefit of others in the community for many years and she has never asked for any recognition and does what she does because of who she is.

“My Mum fully deserves this award and it’s fantastic news and we are so grateful for all the people who sent commendations.”

He added: “My Mum has for years taken the only path that leads to success and that is the pathway of kindness.”

Rosemary has been a dedicated member and volunteer with St James Parish Church and helped with a variety of regular events, fundraising, coffee mornings, quiz nights, and the church fete.

She has also been part of the pastoral care team and a passionate member of the congregation and regular churchgoer.

In addition Rosemary has been heavily involved with the Children’s Society Committee in Wetherby for very many years and has helped run various fundraising events such as bookstalls, cake stalls, and coffee mornings.

Since the early 1990s she has also been a volunteer with the local mental health support group the Wetherby Drop-In Club which is also supported by Mind Charity, Leeds City Council and meets weekly at the Barleyfields Community Centre.

Rosemary has helped at Wetherby Buffaloes in various fundraising events including coffee mornings at the Town Hall, stalls, provided tombola prizes, delicious home baking.