New Year honours for community members

UPSTANDING members of the North Somerset community have been recognised for their work in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.

Jean Dagnall from Clevedon will be awarded an MBE for more than 30 years of work with the Clevedon and District Archaeological Society.

The 84-year-old of Dial Hill Road is now president of the society but from 1976-2009 she acted as secretary for the group.

Jean said: “I was completely surprised to find out I would be getting an MBE - I cannot think who would have put me up for it.”

Jean has been interested in archaeology since the 1950s and became a member of the Clevedon society in about 1970.

She said: “The society gets great speakers from nearby universities and its members normally take part in study weekends as well as the occasional excavation.

“Unfortunately I am not fit enough to get on my knees and dig anymore but I still like to hear about it.”

Trevor Jones from Backwell will also receive an MBE for services to young people.

This stems from his work with the youth organisation Young Bristol, which runs youth clubs and youth volunteering opportunities across Bristol and North Somerset and also has its own activity centre at Bristol’s docks.

The 57-year-old of The Crescent, has worked for Young Bristol for 22 years and is now chief executive.

He said: “This is great recognition not just for me but for the whole organisation and everyone that makes it work - the staff, volunteers and the supporters we have across the area.

“I feel honoured that our trustees took the time to nominate me for this.”

Portishead resident Andrew Weston has also been named on the New Year Honours List.

He will receive an OBE for his work with the Ministry of Defence.