Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards 2021

The annual Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards were held at Pembroke College on Thursday 28 October. As last year’s ceremony had to be held virtually, it was wonderful to be back in the Pichette Auditorium in person, albeit with a slightly reduced guest list.

This ceremony is an opportunity to recognise individuals who demonstrate the volunteer ethos and to build and nurture the enduring relationships that are so important to the County and local community. This is done through the awarding of Medals and Her Majesty Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates for Meritorious Service, amongst other awards. Her Majesty Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates for Meritorious Service were instituted in order to afford public recognition to those members of the Reserve and Cadet Forces whose efforts are not recognised by the twice yearly Honours Lists. The Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate thus ranks second to the Queen’s Honours Lists.

The Reserves are a vital asset to the nation, contributing to its security, its safety and its place in the world. Reservists are well-respected and well-rewarded: they enjoy the kind of challenge and comradeship which are rare in civilian life and yet are able to balance military service with their responsibilities to their families and civilian careers.

The ceremony was also the perfect opportunity for the Lord-Lieutenant to meet her new cadets for 2021/2022 and to present BEMs to four inspiring Oxfordshire residents who have done so much for their communities. The Lord-Lieutenant also presented the newest Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Ron Spurs, with his commission.