Seven people in Somerset have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours. King Charles, who was born in November but will celebrate his birthday on Saturday, June 15, is releasing his biannual honours list to mark the occasion.

A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office said: “The focus of this List is those who have initiated a substantial change where it was needed, and developed innovative solutions that have had an immeasurable impact on the lives of thousands of people across the country.

“Many are active community champions, innovative social entrepreneurs, pioneering scientists, passionate health workers and dedicated volunteers who have gone the extra mile.”

One Somerset resident being celebrated is 79-year-old Susan Iris Shapland from Minehead. She set up ‘Exmoor Extroverts’ 25 years ago to promote wellbeing, particular among older and widowed people.

The cabinet office says that since then, her “untiring efforts” have touched the lives of over 1200 people. Susan organizes between five and eight overseas holidays every year and over 30 day trips for local people.

A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office said: “During the challenging COVID-19 era she kept in touch with her group, sending out weekly newsletters to help give her members a sense of togetherness and community through the lonely times which continues today. 

Her work has, and continues to have, a major impact on the wellbeing of the local population, especially the elderly, and her efforts have been recognised by the National Trust, Somerset County Council and Group Travel Organising Companies.”

Another winner is Esther Erica Britten MBE, 44 years old, from Shepton Mallet. The Deputy Director, Head of Major Events, UK Sport was given the honour for services to Sport

She has played a key role in the bidding and staging of most of the major one-off international sporting events hosted in the UK over the last decade. She played a critical role in securing EURO28, which will be the second largest sporting event to be hosted in the UK this century. 

Five years in the making, she worked tirelessly in the most complex political landscape, to land an unprecedented bid across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.

She also worked with the Boards of the Rugby World Cup 2021 and World Cycling 2023 championships, she ensured both events overcame very significant challenges and delivered for the nation. As Head of Events at UK Sport for 12 years, in the last decade she has overseen a programme of 121 major international events in 41 sports.

The King’s honours are given out twice a year, on New Year and on the King’s official birthday. You can nominate a person for an honour on the government website.

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