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Five men given Suffolk Medals as part of county day

Louise Parry
BBC News, Suffolk
Jon Wright/BBC Five men in suits of different colours hold small boxes with medals in. There is a pink, green and yellow tapestry behind them. Jon Wright/BBC
Five men have been given Suffolk Medals in honour of their work in the county
Jon Wright/BBC Silver-coloured metal disc with a raised image of a wave engraved on itJon Wright/BBC
The medals were designed by Maggi Hambling

Five men have been honoured for making "a positive and lasting difference" in their county.

The Suffolk Medal was given to the "county champions" in Lowestoft, as part of celebrations for Suffolk Day.

Wilfrid George, who worked to reopen footpaths and created hand-drawn maps of the area, is one of the five recipients.

"This unique award only goes to the very best of the best, whose extraordinary contribution to life in Suffolk we are all so very proud and grateful for," said Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare Fitzroy.

Suffolk Community Foundation Wilfred sits at a desk in his living room with a book open in front of him that contains road maps. He holds an orange pen in one hand and looks at the camera. He wears a white t-shirt and blue and grey fleece, zipped up.Suffolk Community Foundation
Mr George's "beautiful" hand-drawn maps have become "sought-after collectors' items"

Ms Fitzroy, Countess of Euston, presented the medals during Suffolk Day – an annual event that began in 2017.

A different town or village is the focal point for the celebrations each year, with Lowestoft the location for 2025.

This coincides with First Light, a free beach festival which attracts thousands of people to the town.

Suffolk High Sheriff Gulshan Kayembe, pictured centre, with medal recipients Martin Seeley and Mark Pendlington. The two men are wearing white suits and holding their medals. Gulshan Kayembe is wearing a white shirt and blue waistcoat. They are pictured in Lowestoft town centre, with a coffee shop in the background
Suffolk High Sheriff Gulshan Kayembe, centre, with medal recipients Martin Seeley and Mark Pendlington

The Suffolk Medal was launched in 2019 and is described as being "the highest award that can be made by Suffolk to an individual".

It has so far been awarded to 20 people, including artist Maggi Hambling who designed the medal.

The other four recipients for 2025 are:

  • Phil Aves - the figurehead for Lowestoft Rising, a partnership that promoted wellbeing and mental health among vulnerable people in particular
  • Andrew Harston - who dedicated his working life to developing the UK's seaports
  • Martin Seeley - former Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, who has inspired diverse congregations and communities
  • Mark Pendlington - a Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk who has "played a major role in many aspects of Suffolk life", including business, education and sustainability

Hannah Bloom, the chief executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, said: "The medal recognises and rewards the people whose exceptional contributions have made a measurable and lasting difference to Suffolk, and is the highest honour that can be made by Suffolk to an individual.

"There are so many wonderful people in our county so please do consider nominating if you know of someone who is doing something above and beyond.

"It would be especially lovely to see a diverse range of medal recipients next year."

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