Wildlife life campaigner and firefighter among King's birthday honours

Paul Francis, a community development and safeguarding manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Rescue Service and Colin Oliphant from Sholing Valleys Study Centre are among the list of people honoured for their community service.

The list, published to coincide with King Charles' official birthday on June 15, marks the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK and includes university professors as well as chief executives of companies.

READ MORE: All the Hampshire people in King Charles' Birthday Honours

Paul Francis, 50 (Image: HIWFRS)

Paul, a 50-year-old community development and safeguarding manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Rescue Service, was awarded the British Empire Medal.

Reacting to being recognised for services to public safety, he said: “It came as a complete shock and surprise to be honest. I feel incredibly proud and honoured to be recognised with this award.”

The dad of two has worked for the fire service for nearly 22 years and has carried out a variety of roles within the organisation, including being an on-call firefighter for nearly 12 years.

For the past nine years, Paul has worked with the fire service’s prevention team as a Community Safety Officer, then the service’s Safeguarding Lead Officer, and in 2016 becoming the Community Development and Safeguarding Manager.

He said it was 'crucially important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication' of colleagues and external partners.

(Image: Submitted)

Someone else who made it to the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024 is the founder of the Sholing Valleys Study Centre, Colin Oliphant, 71. 

Colin has spent the last 46 years recording wildlife and educating people about the natural wonders on our doorstep.

Alongside his wife Linda, he set up the study centre in 1983 to stop the council from developing the Miller's Pond local nature reserve in Sholing - to the joy of many residents at the time.

Since then, he has taken part in much community work, educating adults and children alike from schools, clubs and societies on the fascinating wildlife in the local area. 

He mentioned the moment he received a letter containing the news - initially mistaking it for a tax bill.

He said: "Oh no, here comes another tax bill I thought. Then I opened up the letter and began to read it - I was absolutely dumbfounded.

"I had to get my wife to read it a second time. I was just so stunned - to be given a British Empire Medal for my work is an absolute honour and a privilege.

"Someone has nominated me and to them, I am incredibly grateful. I would love for them to pop in and shake my hand so I can say a proper thank you."

Colin has been awarded the prestigious accolade for his commitment and services to the environment and to the community in Southampton.

He added: "We have been working since 1978 in Sholing since 1978 - it feels great to be recognised for all that work.

"Myself and Linda now have the honour of going to his Majesty's birthday garden party which should be marvellous."