Prison boss, foster carers and furniture designer among Shropshire folk recognised in birthday honours

A prison executive, a top furniture designer and a Holocaust campaigner are among Shropshire folk honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Gary Badley, the top civil servant in charge of the prison transformation plan, has been appointed a CBE for his role in the nation’s public service.

Mr Badley was appointed senior principle owner of the Prison and Probation Service property transformation in April 2024, having previously served as director of property services.

Mark Boddington, the founder of ultra-luxury furniture manufacturer Silverlining, becomes an MBE for design and innovation in furniture making. He founded his business, on the Welsh border, in 1985 at the age of 21, and his products are today in demand from the likes of Madonna, Kevin Costner and fashion designer Tom Ford.

Telford tech entrepreneur Hollie Whittles also becomes and MBE for services to women in business. A director of two IT companies, the 50-year-old has been voted one of the UK’s top 50 women in the technology sector, and she gives regular motivational talks giving advice on how to expand their businesses.

Retired sixth-form college principle Kathleen Kimber, who served for 12 years as chairman of trustees at Derwen College, near Oswestry, becomes and MBE for services to further education. She has been a trustee of the college, which serves 16-25-year-olds with special needs and disabilities, since 2005.

Natalie Cummings, of Oswestry, who visits schools giving powerful talks about how her aunt survived the Holocaust, playing the violin in three concentration camps during the Second World War, is appointed an MBE for services to Holocaust remembrance and to the Missing People charity.

Read more: King Charles' Birthday Honours: List for Shropshire and Mid Wales

Michelle John, founder of Parental Education Growth Support (Pegs) becomes an MBE for services to family support and advocacy. The Shrewsbury-based organisation was set up to support parents, carers, and guardians experiencing abuse from their children, including nationwide emotional and practical support, advocacy, and training for professionals.

Husband and wife John and Pamela Garbett, from Leegomery, Telford, are both appointed MBEs for services to foster care and to children with disabilities.

John Wagner, creator of the Judge Dredd cartoon character, receives the honour for services to British comic books and the comic book industry.

There are six recipients of the British Empire Medal in the county.

Dean Allen, founder of Cyclones junior football club, is honoured for services to the community of Telford, while Philip Cowell is recognised for services to the community in Shrewsbury.

Wendy Ford, a volunteer at Shrewsbury Abbey, is recognised for services to charity and young people, while long-serving town councillor Neville Stephens is recognised for services to the community of Craven Arms.

Chris Symes, former chairman of the Lyneal Trust near Ellesmere, which provides canal trips and holidays for people with disabilities, received the BEM for services to disabled people.

Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, said the honours were only given to people who had either achieved something exceptional in public life, or selflessly made life better for others.

“It brings me a huge amount of pleasure to see that we have so many people in Shropshire that have been recognised by His Majesty for their outstanding work,” she said.

“It is a proud moment for all of us, and I would like to congratulate them all for their incredible efforts.!”