16-MAI-1303-HDM S21 HULL FRONT

Author named in New Year's Honours List

Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 06:30

A historian, a bereavement charity worker and a community activist have been recognised in the New Year's Honours List.

All have been made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs) in the annual gongs.

Local historian Alec Gill was selected for his work in documenting Hull's fishing heritage.

The 62-year-old author has written six books and produced six videos on the subject since developing an interest in the Hessle Road community as an amateur photographer in the mid-1970s.

Through his work with the fishing families, Mr Gill, of John Street, city centre, became one of the co-founders of the annual Lost Trawlerman's Day.

Mr Gill said: "I was particularly taken by the fact these people were not able to grieve fully, so when the idea of having a special service came up it seemed the obvious thing to do."

Alice Patricia Middleton was made an MBE for services to vulnerable people through her work helping families bereaved by suicide.

The 72-year-old founded the Survivors Of Bereavement By Suicide group in 1991, nine years after her brother John took his own life by ploughing his motorbike into a stationary vehicle.

What started off as a small support group of 13 members in Hull is now a national charity with 25 regional support groups.

Speaking about her award, Ms Middleton, of Norton Grove, west Hull, said: "I am sure John would be very proud of my award.

"John bequeathed me a gift when he died. That gift was Survivors Of Bereavement By Suicide."

Another charity worker to received the honour is Beverley fundraiser Gordon Jenney.

He was awarded an MBE after 55 years with the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.

The order supports a number of causes in the area, with money mainly coming out of members' own pockets.

This year it is supporting Humber Rescue.

Great-grandfather Mr Jenney, 73, of Greenwood Avenue, has been secretary of the local branch for 50 years.

He said: "Obviously I am thrilled to receive the MBE, but I wondered why I was being singled out.

"I am accepting the award on behalf of all the members of the local branch who have worked just as hard as me."

Community activist Stephanie Wilson has been made an MBE for voluntary service to the community.

She has been chairwoman of the Avenues and Pearson Park Residents' Association in Hull for over 30 years.

Her honour also recognises her involvement in local education.

She is a governor at Newland High School for Girls and works as a voluntary classroom assistant at Bricknell Primary School.

Pocklington woman Gillian Eweis was also made an MBE for services to prisoners.

She is the Assistant Anglican Chaplain at HM Prison Full Sutton in York.

Two prominent businessmen also spoke of their delight at being made MBEs.

Captain Sam Judah, of North Ferriby, was recognised for his services to business and the community, while Tom Goldberg, of Wansford, near Driffield, was honoured for his contribution to international trade.

Local historian Alec Gill has been made an MBE

Local historian Alec Gill has been made an MBE

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