Five Southwark locals have been recognised as part of the Queen’s birthday honours list, writes Kit Heren…
Felicia Margaret Kwaku, Gloria Pottinger, Christine Margaret Annis, Valerie Anne Peterkin and Katharine St John-Brooks were among those given gongs this year.
Ms Kwaku, an associate director of nursing at Kings College NHS Foundation Trust, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to nursing. Foster carer Ms Pottinger was given an OBE for her services to children and young people in the borough.
Ms Annis, a manager at Downside Fisher Youth Club on Druid Street was made a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to the young people of Bermondsey. Ms Peterkin, an assistant leader of the Bermondsey Girl Guide group, was awarded an MBE for voluntary service for young people in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe. Ms St John-Brooks, president of Link Age Southwark was given an MBE for her services for older people and the wider Southwark community.
The awards are usually handed out in June. This year’s honours list was delayed to include people, like key workers and volunteers, who have been instrumental in efforts to combat the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “This year’s honours recipients are a testament to the sort of country we are – caring, compassionate and resolute in the face of a global pandemic. The hard work and dedication of these local, often unsung heroes has helped carry us through. I congratulate them all.”