Sussex residents named on New Year's honours list

From top left: Louise Pye, John Parry, Patrica Fellows, Mark Walder

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Volunteers and community champions are among a host of Sussex residents who have been named on the New Year's honours list 2017.

A total of 20 Sussex residents have been named on the full list, for a variety of reasons including services to charity, education and to their local communities.

Among others they include; Chailey Heritage Foundation volunteer Mary Gillian Duncan, school meals expert Patricia Fellows and Mark Walder, a special sergeant with the British Transport Police (BTP).

Also on the list is University of Sussex professor Dr John Parry, who will become an MBE for his services to the Linklater Pavilion and the community in Lewes.

Patrica Fellows is set to become an MBE for her services to education.

Dr Parry is the chairman and founder of the Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust and is currently managing a five-year project involving adults with learning disabilities in conservation and recording environmental change in Sussex and Normandie.

A University of Sussex spokesperson said: "We are delighted Dr John Parry is set to be made an MBE for his services to the Linklater Pavilion and the Lewes community.

"Dr Parry is a distinguished lecturer who's work in the local area and beyond is making a real difference to society. As well as managing the innovative 'Nature Corridors for All' project, which involved adults with learning disabilities in environmental activities, Dr Parry is also known for establishing the first Junior Management Board for a local nature reserve.

"We are thrilled that he is to be recognised for his ongoing contribution to East Sussex."

Among the other residents named on the list is councillor Anthony John Lane Barnes who will become a MBE for his voluntary services to the community in Etchingham.

Cllr Barnes, who represents the village as part of East Sussex County Council, said the award was “very much a team effort” after the opening of a new school and community facilities in the village.

He said: “I regard it as very much an award to the village. I’m really just the tip of the iceburg.”

Also on the list is Seaford resident Patricia Fellows who will become a MBE for her services to education.

Detective Constable Louise Pye is set to receive the Queen's Police Medal

Mrs Fellows who has had a long career as a school meals adviser was part of the team who worked on the coalition government’s universal free school meal plans. A £1bn programme, the plan, has seen all children aged between five- and seven-years-old receive a free and nutritious meal at school.

She began her career at East Sussex County Council, working at the authority for more than 44 years. At the end of her time there, Mrs Fellows department was providing more than 42,000 meals to more than 280 schools around the county.

Looking back on her career, Mrs Fellows said: “It’s been great and I’ve met some wonderful people but the best I’ve met are the staff. They are amazing, they go in no matter what; snow, rain or whatever else.”

Also named on the list is Chailey Heritage volunteer Mary Duncan, who is to receive a British Empire Medal. From Barcombe, Mrs Duncan joined Chailey’s riding team in its early days and has now been volunteering there for more than 30 years.

Her work has been central to the riding service’s expansion and d