Families, colleagues join honours celebrations
PROUD families, friends and colleagues accompanied the Queen’s Birthday Honours Lists recipients at Government House on Saturday.
States chief executive Paul Whitfield was awarded the OBE and retired health visitor Rachel Copeland received the BEM in the general list.
Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink, Dr Mat Dorrian and States communications director Mary Putra each received the MBE on a special list for those who had done so much during the pandemic.
Dr Brink’s daughter and mother, colleagues Stella Vile and Mark De Garis, plus friends Bert and Brenda Fallaize attended with her.
Daughter Katherine Jensen said: ‘I’m so proud of my mum, she works so hard. It’s brilliant for her to get recognised.’
Alongside the Public Health team and community they supported her pandemic efforts, Dr Brink said.
‘My son, Andrew, is stuck in Cardiff,’ she said.
‘Those who know me know I can talk the hind legs off a donkey, but I was lost for words. It’s been hard to keep it a secret.’
Speechless and humbled sentiments were shared across all recipients, who all felt they represented their colleagues.
Mr Whitfield’s sister and children were there in support.
Daughter Daisy Hollingworth said: ‘I wasn’t told until this morning, we were just asked to come for a celebration thanking people for the past few months.’
Dr Dorrian’s parents attended as well as his mother-in-law and two children.
Sue Dorrian said: ‘This is not something you do every day. We feel very proud of him, he is very committed to his job.’
Mrs Putra’s husband and two daughters, seven-year-old Indi and Leah Taylor, accompanied her as well as the ‘work fam,’ she said.
Miss Taylor said: ‘We’re really proud of our mum, I’m glad that everyone else is too. I’m with my grandad, parents, and everyone else from mum’s work.’
Indi said she’s a good mummy.
Communications colleague Rob Moore said: ‘Mary pulled everyone together when nobody knew what would happen.’
Mrs Copeland was going for lunch with her husband, mother, son and daughter-in-law afterwards, with her two daughters in the UK staying updated on social media.
Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder delivered a speech detailing each recipient’s lengthy achievements.
‘At last the secret is out. Originally the list was delayed so those who contributed to the national British family’s pandemic response could be included. The outcome is today, and it’s a splendid outcome for the Bailiwick.’
