Pat Manning, 81, has worked in the charity sector since she was 17. She served as vice-chairman of governors for Ravenscroft Primary School and was a governor of Bishops Park Secondary School.
Still involved in the Clacton Carnival and Clacton Crime Prevention Panel, of which she is chairman, she is also a former councillor and chairman of Community Voluntary Services Tendring.
She said: “When I heard I was absolutely shocked, I didn’t believe it and got my son to read it.”
The stalwarts join celebrities such as John Barrowman and Daniel Day Lewis, along with top female golfer
Clive Stobbs, the chief executive of Colchester-based charity Autism Anglia, has been awarded an OBE.
The former City banker and broker has been involved with the charity for almost 30 years and has held roles including governor, trustee and general manager, as well as chief executive for the past 12 years.
He is also chairman of Essex Police’s Colchester & Tendring Independent Advisory Group, which acts as link between the force and voluntary groups and is a trustee of the Autism Alliance UK, a networking organisation of seventeen UK autism service-providing charities.
A Clacton man who is a leading light in the world of bowls has been awarded an MBE for his dedication to the sport.
David Mitchell-Gears, 74, is president and a trustee of Clacton Bowls Club, as well as the chairman and only life member of Bowls England.
A bowls player since 1965, he helped to set up the national organisation when the men’s and women’s associations amalgamated and has been its chairman since its inception.
Mr Mitchell-Gears said: “It is nice really for bowls to be recognised, there’s not too many MBEs knocking about for it.
“I feel very privileged and proud to be given the honour.”
Mr Stobbs said: “I am very proud the work of our charity has been recognised with today’s award of an OBE.
“Autism Anglia would not be able to provide any support without the loyalty, skill and compassion of our staff and on behalf of those in our care I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them all and dedicate this award to them.”
Patricia Manning, see panel, has been given the British Empire Medal for years of service to charity.
Joss Wiggins, chief fisheries officer at the Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA), has also been given an MBE for services to the fishing industry.
Mr Wiggins has worked for the IFCA and its predecessor for 38 years, standing down as chief officer in March last year.
Now a project officer is currently working with the oyster industry in developing a management strategy for native oysters within the Blackwater, Crouch, Roach, and Colne Estuaries Marine Conservation Zone.
For many years he patrolled the Essex coast alone, often using his 14ft dory to board fishing vessels and conduct inspections, and to carry out survey work.
In a statement IFCA said: “The Chief Officer and staff of Kent & Essex IFCA are immensely proud of Joss and the commitment and dedication he has shown over the years. He has become a role-model in achieving community led sustainable fisheries.”
A keen sailor, Mr Wiggins lives with his wife Pearl in Brightlingsea. The couple have two daughters.
David Mitchell-Gears, see panel, from Clacton, has been given an MBE for services to bowls.
Roy Bailey, an honorary senior lecturer in Essex University’s Economics Department, has been recognised with an MBE.
Described by the head of department as “a beacon for the department, a real scholar and a great teacher”, Mr Bailey is both respected and admired by his students who often remain in touch with him years after graduating.
Teaching courses ranging from economic theory to economic history, econometrics and finance, he also produced a textbook The Economics of Financial Markets in 2005.
At Essex University, where he got his first degree in 1968 and a masters the following year, he has served as lecturer, senior lecturer, and reader as well as his current role, sometimes alongside visiting positions at other universities.
Mr Bailey, 67, joined the department in a teaching role in 1972, taking early retirement in 2009 upon which he was immediately made an honorary lecturer, and the Roy Bailey Prize is given annually for the best Economics term paper.
Mr Bailey, who lives in Wivenhoe, said: “It has been a privilege to work with colleagues in the Economics Department at Essex for more than 40 years, its success having been built on common effort, a collegial atmosphere, and working closely with our students.
“I see the award as recognition for the whole department, an honour which just happens to have landed on me.”
Derek Benson, deputy chief constable of Essex Police, has received the Queen’s Police Medal.
Mr Benson joined the Metropolitan Police in 1985 and began his career as a beat officer before being promoted to sergeant in 1989, and then inspector in 1992.
He continued to climb the ranks, holding a number of specialist positions across the borough, until being appointed a staff officer to the commissioner Sir Ian Blair in 2005, a post he held until he joined Essex Police thee following year as Assistant Chief Constable.
During his time with Essex Police Mr Benson has previously held the operational support portfolio and what was protective services, where he was responsible for major crime, operations and counter terrorism.
Most recently he has been responsible for a force-wide programme of work considering how to best meet the significant challenges of pending budget restrictions while maintaining top quality policing services. He is the regional lead for counter terrorism and sits on the Association of Chief Police Officer’s board of directors.
Mr Benson is married to Lynne and has three children aged 20, 18 and 14. In his spare time he enjoys walking his dog, and playing football.
Other Essex residents recognised in the list include Lesley Hastie, from Clacton, who receives an OBE for services to education and Friends of the Rebel Trust, and Karen Jane Jones, a Crown advocate in the Crown Prosecution Service, who also receives an OBE for services to law and order, particularly counter terrorism prosecutions.
Eileen Kirkpatrick Davidson, from Colchester, has been awarded an MBE for political service while Anne Elizabeth Mitchell has also been given an MBE for services to disabled children and the community through the Barrow Farm Riding school in High Wood, Chelmsford.
Clive Rippon, from Chelmsford, has received an MBE for services to tennis, while Martin Stuchfield an Essex magistrate, has also been given an MBE for services to heritage charities.
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