New Year's Honours for two Isle of Wight community leaders

An Isle of Wight Council employee, along with a leading member of Seaview's community, have been included in the list of worthy recipients.

Ian Lloyd has been awarded the British Empire Medal, for his outstanding support to the Island's community through Covid-19.

He is the council's strategic manager for partnerships and support services, based in adult social care.

Ian led the set-up and delivery of the coronavirus helpline and runs the community hub, which has provided support to over 10,500 shielding Islanders, dealt with more than 10,000 calls, arranged 25,000 check-in calls and hundreds of welfare checks, and has coordinated more than 1,000 volunteers.

The hub has also provided 3,000 Isle of Wight residents with thousands of meals and food parcels.

Ian told the County Press he had no idea he had been nominated until the letter arrived on his doormat.

"It came as a complete shock," he said, adding he was humbled and 'could not explain how proud' he was to be handed the honour.

Isle of Wight Council 's chief executive John Metcalfe said: “Ian has the ability to inspire colleagues to be the best that they can be.

"His professionalism and approachability are valued and never more so than in responding to the impact of Covid-19.

"He has led with sensitivity and provided clarity in direction to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community received the care and support that they have needed."

Ian Lloyd.

Council leader, Lora Peacey-Wilcox, said: "From working closely with voluntary sector partners, to co-ordinating activity with our local faith groups, Ian was integral to identifying how we were able to support our harder to reach, sometimes marginalised, members of the community and those at highest risk.

"His work and that of his wider team has enabled people to feel not only safe but also valued, for which I am immensely proud and grateful to him, and the extended volunteers."

Ian said: “Being a local Isle of Wight lad who is very passionate about this Island and its community, I am immensely proud of the amazing efforts and willingness of so many staff, voluntary community partners and volunteers alike.

"I cannot begin to describe the lengths the community response went to at such urgent pace, to enable the most vulnerable of our Island community to have somewhere to turn to for assistance to remain safe, supported with access to food, medication deliveries and knowing that they were not alone and could reach out for contact support during these uncertain times.

"This honour is as much about the people who worked with me, as it is for me."

"This honour is as much about the many people who worked with me for the Island’s response, as it is for me.

"My hope is that those vulnerable residents of our community feel that ‘we’ went some way in making a real difference to them in their genuine time of need, that we can all be proud of as a community."

Also getting a British Empire Medal is Diane Foxley, for her services to the community in Seaview.

A former parish councillor, who has helped run the village's council since the 1980s, Diane sat on the planning committee and managed to bring 'sensitivity and a light touch' to the tension-filled role.

She is described as a 'vital source of institutional knowledge', due to her long service and experience as a long-time resident.

Diane Foxley and Seaview (by Rob Chiverton).

Diane also helped set up the village's community shop, itself recognised by both a High Sheriff's Award and an Isle of Wight Community Action Award.

Despite being forced to shield, at the height of the Covid pandemic, Diane continued her role via Zoom and Facetime.

She is a volunteer race officer and instructor at the local sailing club, supporting club members and taking part in the annual regatta.

Diane told the County Press she was 'quite overcome' and had no idea who nominated her.

She has managed to keep her award secret from her family and friends.

Citing her highlight as the village shop, which she says the village really needed, Diane had a bottle of champagne ready for the big reveal.

Ian Lloyd and Diane Foxley join a host of big names, including the medical advisors who have led the UK's response to Covid-19, actors Daniel Craig and Joanna Lumley and songwriter Bernie Taupin, who is best known for his long-term collaboration with Sir Elton John.

Sir Philip Barton, permanent under-secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and head of the Diplomatic Service, said: "I congratulate everyone receiving an honour and thank them for their hard work and years of service.

"The UK’s impact around the world depends on exceptional people like those recognised in this year’s Queen’s New Year Honours.

"We are grateful for their outstanding contribution."