Baldock and Hitchin teachers rewarded in Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Alison Roome-Gifford (Image: Archant)

The list, announced on Saturday, rewards people who have often worked selflessly for years in their field or have helped improve numerous peoples lives.

John Glover, head of humanities and Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator at Knights Templar School in Baldock, received an MBE for services to education.

Mr Glover, who has worked at the school since January 1982 and teaches geography, said: “I’m chuffed to bits. It’s been unbelievable.

“I had a tip-off a few weeks ago that I might have been nominated but thought it was a wind-up.

“I’ve run the Duke of Edinburgh programme for over 30 years and it’s a brilliant project for the kids. It pushes them and gives them confidence to go and do things, plus it’s great on your CV.

“I’m retiring at the end of the year but am staying on next year just to run the programme.”

Kathleen Saunders, senior teaching assistant at Our Lady Catholic Primary School in Hitchin, was awarded a MBE for services to education.

In addition to the honours list members of the emergency services were rewarded.

Sarah Pickup, a former director of Social Services at Hertfordshire County Council, was given a OBE for services to social care.

One of those was Hertfordshire’s most senior female police officer has received an award from the Queen for three decades of service.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Alison Roome-Gifford was awarded the Queens Police Medal (QPM) to Hertfordshire’s for services to policing.

The North Hertfordshire resident and mother of two said: “I have been immensely proud to have served in the Hertfordshire Constabulary for the last 30 years and this award reflects the commitment and professionalism of the very many extraordinary people I have worked with during that time.”