Horsham residents celebrated in Queen’s birthday honours

Vernon Jennings of Barns Green was awarded a British Empire Medal for his work with the Barns Green Half Marathon and in the community.

Vernon, 72, has been committee chairman and race director of the popular annual event since 1998.

He said: “I am rather astounded by it. I thought ‘why me?’

“I have met many people who are far more worthy than I am. It boils down to if you are lucky and someone feels you should be nominated.

“I think it is a tribute to all the organisations I have been connected with. I am a community person and I thrive on this kind of thing.

“I am exceptionally proud and honoured.”

He has been involved with race operations for more than 30 years, and was crucial in keeping it going when the committee nearly disbanded in 1998.

Since then, the race has raised more than £130,000 for charities and the community.

Melanie Leech has also been named in the honours list picking up a CBE for her hard work as director general of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

The federation works with global brands and small businesses and helps them to operate in the manufacturing market.

As well as working with these business Melanie and the federation also work along side the government and in particular the department of Health helping to tackle food related issues including nutrition, obesity and food safety and sustainability.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted and feeling very honoured. It came completely out of the blue I had no idea at all.

“You are not allowed to tell anyone, you have to celebrate in the privacy of your bedroom behind closed doors which is really hard.

“I am absolutely over the moon and I can’t wait to celebrate tomorrow.”

She added she hopes to celebrate her success this weekend with her family.

Melanie has since left the FDF and now works for the British Property Federation where she hopes she can achieve the same amount of success.

Peter Knowles, from Pulborough, was also awarded with a British Empire Medal for his services to the community in West Chiltington.

Other Sussex residents who have been honoured include:

KNIGHTS BACHELOR

Thomas Baird Jeffery, CB. Director general, Department for Education, Children’s Services and Departmental Strategy Directorate. For services to the Department for Education. (Lewes, East Sussex)

ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

CBE

Jonathan Church. Artistic director Chichester Festival Theatre. For services to the Theatre. (Chichester, West Sussex)

Professor Julian Moray Crampton, DL. Vice Chancellor, University of Brighton. For services to Higher Education. (East Sussex)