Two people from the Warminster area have been recognised in the New Year Honours List, which highlights the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK.
Richard Clothier, a third-generation cheesemaker, was awarded an MBE for services to sustainable agriculture and food production. Barbara Thomas received a British Empire Medal for her voluntary work supporting residents in Mere through community and youth charities.
Richard is the Managing Director of Wyke Farms, which combines traditional cheesemaking with a focus on environmental responsibility. He said, “Receiving an MBE is an immense honour and a very proud moment for my family and the team here at Wyke. To be recognised for our work in farming and producing food in the most sustainable way is a huge accolade.
Working with nature
“We will continue to work to minimise our impact, encourage biodiversity in the region, lower emissions and work with the local community to improve this region that we live in, work in and love so much.
“As my grandmother Ivy used to say, ‘if you look after nature…nature will look after you.’ That work never stops.”
Barbara Thomas was honoured for services to the community in Mere. Barbara is a trustee of two local charities: the Mere and District Link Scheme which helps people in Mere and surrounding villages to get to their medical appointments, shops, and social events and Seeds4Success, a youth work charity.
Thrilled
Barbara said she was not expecting the award, but that she was “thrilled” to receive it.
“I couldn’t understand why the Cabinet Office might be writing to me,” she said. “I had this letter, and I thought, ‘oh God, what have I done now!’”
“It’s a bit surreal really, because I know the people I work with absolutely appreciate what I do, but you don’t do it for recognition. So, for other people to recognise it as well, it’s quite amazing.”
