Trio recognised with New Year’s Honours

Cllr Peter Jones has been awarded a CBE for services to Local Government in the South East.

Cllr Jones, who lives in Denehurst Gardens in Hastings, was elected to East Sussex County Council in May 2005.

He represents Northern Rother, which includes Beckley, Bodiam, Staplecross, Ewhurst, Northiam, Peasmarsh, Rye Foreign, Salehurst, Robertsbridge and Sedlescombe.

Cllr Jones is responsible for communications, economic development, Local Enterprise Partnership, adult skills, policy and performance and equalities at the council.

Meanwhile 31 years of voluntary service to Sussex Police have been rewarded with an MBE for Hastings special constable Martin Hovenden.

Martin, who also works as a public enquiry supervisor at Hastings police station, joined the force as a special constable in Rye in September 1981.

Since that time he has worked an average of 15-16 hours nearly every weekend, on top of the ‘day job’, amounting to well over 20,000 hours over the years.

In addition, he worked with police cadets for ten years, inspiring many young people to pursue a career in policing.

SC Hovenden said: “I like being out there on the ground with a really great team of people and if we specials didn’t do it, then someone else would have to.”

Chief Constable Martin Richards said:“I am absolutely delighted that he has received this award and offer him my and Sussex Police’s heartiest congratulations.”

Sally Lee, the founder of The Sara Lee Trust, was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Hastings, Rother and Rye.

The Sara Lee Trust was set up in memory of Sally’s daughter Sara who died aged 32 from cancer.

It was Sara’s vision as a result of using complementary therapies during her two year battle with cancer, that led to the Trust being set up.

It also provides counselling services free of charge.

Mrs Lee said: “I was very honoured and thrilled.

“It’s for everybody else who works in the Trust.

“We hope to carry on for another 15 years at least.”