Three New Gongs For Putney Residents

plus an OBE For Wandsworth councillor in the New Years Honours List 2010

The New Years Honours list is published, paying tribute to outstanding achievement and service across the entire community. The list includes a nun, a sheep farmer and the first-ever circus ringmaster to be honoured, as well as the four-times British National Aerobatic Champion. In total, 979 people have been recommended to the Prime Minister for an award by the Specialist Honours Committees and from Putney this year there are three SW15 residents honoured:

CBE

Ms Susan Toni WARDELL Director, Middle East, Caribbean, Asia (East, Central) and British Overseas Territories, Department for International Development

The CBE is awarded for:

• a prominent national role of a lesser degree or
• a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs, through achievement or service to the community or
• making a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity

MBE

Andrew Paul ANDREWS For voluntary service to St John Ambulance Brigade.

Timothy EVEREST Tailor. For services to the Fashion Industry.

The MBE is awarded for:

• achievement or service in and to the community of a responsible kind which is outstanding in its field; or 
• very local 'hands-on' service which stands out as an example to others.

OBE

In addition to the residents one of the Councillors has also been awarded an OBE for services to Local Government. Cllr Maurice Heaster pictured left has been as a member of Wandsworth Council for 40 years. First elected in May 1968, he has served on almost every committee and currently holds the post of deputy council leader - a position he has occupied for a total of 25 years.

He served as Mayor in 1985, setting a new fund-raising record for the Mayor's charities. The sum raised then would be worth around £120,000 at today's prices.

Most recently Cllr Heaster has been spearheading the council's campaign to protect small businesses from rate rises and save local post offices from closure. Congratulating Cllr Heaster on his award council leader Edward Lister said,"Maurice Heaster has a unique record of public service. He has made an extraordinary contribution to the people of Wandsworth and thoroughly deserves this honour."

June 22, 2010