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South Wales Guardian
5 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Carmarthenshire women receive British Empire Medals
Marian Louise Evans and Judith Harvey were honoured in a ceremony at County Hall in Carmarthenshire on May 29, marking the first official engagement of the newly appointed chair of Carmarthenshire County Council, Councillor Dot Jones. The medals were presented by Miss Sara Edwards, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed. Phillip Hughes, cabinet member for organisation and workforce at Carmarthenshire County Council, said: "These awards are a true testament to the power of local action and leadership. "Marian and Judith exemplify the values of dedication, service and inspiration. "We are proud to celebrate their success and the example they set for others in our communities." Ms Evans received the BEM for services to business. As founder and managing director of Elevate Business Consultancy, she has delivered transformational change across the sector. She has been widely recognised for her leadership, particularly in championing women in business. During the pandemic, Ms Evans supported more than 2,000 businesses through free resilience sessions and online content that reached at least 300,000 people each month. Her voluntary work has earned her titles such as UK Mentor of the Year and Inspirational Woman of the Decade. Ms Harvey was awarded the BEM for services to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. She began her career as one of the UK's first female wardens and has spent her life working in conservation and land management. Since 2012, she has served as head warden, mentoring apprentices and volunteers, leading major restoration projects, and working to protect the park's ecosystems and heritage. Both recipients received their medals from the Lord-Lieutenant and were presented with flowers by Lord-Lieutenant cadets Chloe Faulkner and Zuzzana Radkowska. There was also a moving speech from Ms Harvey. Councillor Jones used the ceremony to reflect on the value of female role models in public life and the ongoing need for greater representation in leadership across all levels of local democracy. The British Empire Medal was first introduced in 1917 and reintroduced in 2012 to recognise hands-on service and outstanding contributions to the community.
Pembrokeshire Herald
18 hours ago
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Carmarthenshire honours local heroes at British Empire Medal ceremony
A SPECIAL presentation ceremony took place at County Hall on 29 May to honour two remarkable individuals who have been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of their outstanding service. The event, hosted by the newly appointed Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Dot Jones, marked her first official engagement and was attended by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, who presented the honours on behalf of His Majesty The King. The British Empire Medal, first established in 1917 and reintroduced in 2012, recognises individuals who have demonstrated hands-on, impactful contributions to their communities. Nominations come directly from the people who witness these contributions every day; colleagues, neighbours and friends, making the honour personal and meaningful. Mrs Marian Louise Evans was recognised for services to business. As founder and Managing Director of Elevate Business Consultancy, Mrs Evans has delivered transformational change across the sector. As a multi-award-winning professional, she has been widely acknowledged for her leadership, particularly in championing women in business. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she offered vital support to over 2,000 businesses through free resilience sessions and online content, reaching over 300,000 people each month. Her voluntary work has earned her titles such as UK Mentor of the Year and Inspirational Woman of the Decade. She received her medal from the Lord-Lieutenant and was presented with flowers on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council by Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Chloe Faulkner. Miss Judith Harvey received the British Empire Medal for services to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Having begun her career as one of the UK's first female wardens, she has dedicated her life to conservation, land management and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. As Head Warden since 2012, Miss Harvey has mentored countless apprentices and volunteers, led significant restoration projects and worked passionately to protect the park's ecosystems and heritage. She was presented with her medal by the Lord-Lieutenant and flowers from Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Zuzzana Radkowska, before addressing the audience in a moving speech. Closing the ceremony, the Chair of the Council praised both recipients for their service and reflected on the importance of role models in public life, especially for women and girls. She noted the growing presence of women in leadership roles, while recognising that progress must continue at all levels of local democracy. Their achievements, she said, lay a strong foundation for others to follow. Cllr Phillip Hughes, Cabinet Member for Organisation & Workforce, said: 'These awards are a true testament to the power of local action and leadership. Marian and Judith exemplify the values of dedication, service and inspiration. We are proud to celebrate their success and the example they set for others in our communities.'
