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People in Newark and Sherwood to receive British Empire Medals, by King Charles III in 2025 New Year’s Honour List




Community champions from across the Advertiser area have been named among the King’s New Year’s Honours List.

Today, hundreds of unsung heroes across the country are being recognised for their outstanding contributions across all sectors, but in particular those who give selflessly for the benefit of their communities.

In Newark and Sherwood, Kelvin Langford, 57, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to the Civilian Services Contingent and to the veteran community of Newark.

Kelvin Langford at 10 Downing Street, London.
Kelvin Langford at 10 Downing Street, London.

On receiving the honour, he said: “It’s a really surreal feeling, I had to pinch myself.

“The first you know of it is when you receive the letter, and almost don’t realise, so you have to read it again before it becomes real.

“It gets your heart racing and it feels absolutely fabulous that anyone would think to nominate me.”

Despite his humble nature, Kelvin has dedicated himself to a lifetime of service, first with the Army, before working in the mines, and going on to spend 12 years as a prison officer.

Upon leaving the prison service in 2003, he expanded his work with the Civilian Services Contingent — which includes representatives of the prison, police, fire, and ambulance services, among others.

Kelvin Langford and others from the Civilian Services Contingent at the 2024 National Remembrance Parade in London.
Kelvin Langford and others from the Civilian Services Contingent at the 2024 National Remembrance Parade in London.

It is through this work that Kelvin helps to organise national Remembrance commemorations, and played a key role in the organisation of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.

“The greatest honour of them all was to do my duty when the Queen died,” he said.

“We all knew the day would come, but we also thought she would live on forever.

“I met with hundreds of other civilian services in London and over a very intense nine days we made sure she got the right send off.

“Over 200 of us were involved with the funeral procession and there was a lot of emotion, but also a lot of pride.”

His voluntary work extends to his decade-long role as the branch treasurer of the Royal British Legion in Newark.

“Working with the Legion is incredibly important,” said Kelvin.

“We make sure that we are looking after those that put their lives on the line for us.

“I have a lot of ceremonial duties, and attend many funerals. Sometimes our veterans die without a lot of family, but we want to ensure they have the respect they deserve.”

Debbie and Kelvin Langford at the 2024 National Remembrance Parade in London.
Debbie and Kelvin Langford at the 2024 National Remembrance Parade in London.

Kelvin’s honour from the King is not the only one in the Langford household, as his wife Debbie also received a BEM in 2020.

He said that they have supported and helped each other throughout the years and that he feels “very fortunate to have met such a like-minded person.”

The pair were also present when a gunman opened fire at the Tunisian holiday resort of Port El Kantaoui in 2015, killing 38 people. It was an experience that Kelvin said gave him a new perspective on life.

Together, the couple jumped into action and tried to help in whatever way they could, relaying information and making sure stranded holiday makers were able to get home.

Kelvin’s lifetime of service continues to this day as he works as a prevention lead and security manager with the NHS.

He said: “I look back and I know I’ve done a lot in my life, but I never ever wanted any recognition for it — I just wanted to help everyone as much as possible.”

Anyone can nominate someone they think is worthy of recognition by submitting an honours form to the government form for consideration.

King Charles III.
King Charles III.

Elsewhere, Jagrupe Binnig has been awarded a BEM for ‘services to the community in Tuxford.’

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Each and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities.

“They represent the very best of the UK and that core value of service which I put at the centre of everything this government does.

“The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.”



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