EFFORTS in the Somerset community – and across the globe – were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

From health to finance, peace to education, the work of Somerset people was given national spotlight through the awards.

Among them was Jo Berry, of Frome, who was made a CBE for her efforts with the Building Bridges for Peace organisation, which promotes peace and conflict resolution around the world.

“I’m deeply honoured to receive the award of CBE for services to peace and reconciliation as founder of Building Bridges for Peace,” she said. “This recognition is not just for me but for all of us who have chosen the path of empathy and dialogue.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me, friends and family, over the last 40 years; without you, I wouldn’t be here today.

“This CBE recognises the power of human connection and our shared humanity, even after trauma and pain.”

She added: “I’ll use this award to keep amplifying the message that peace isn’t passive. It’s active. It takes immense courage to see the humanity in others — especially when it challenges our pain. But it’s through that courage that real change becomes possible, and I believe it’s a courage we all possess. I have seen this (in) so many people.

“I commit to carrying on challenging dehumanisation and hatred, knowing that for peace to happen, there are no sides; each one of us is part of the human family with our humanity. Through the lens of unbounded empathy, we can recognise and value one another with dignity and love. Violence becomes impossible when we truly see each other’s humanity.

“I have hope that peace is possible because of the incredible people I have met and that even a single act of empathy can ripple through generations and change the story of what comes next.”

Elsewhere, Julie Matthews was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to mental health for her work improving care in Somerset from her base in Chard.

Julie is the founder and chief executive officer of WATCH CIO, which engages with isolated adults who need support.

“I’m delighted to be receiving this award and was so surprised when seeing the cabinet office letter and assumed it was something to be worried about before opening,” she said.

“Going through many years of my own therapy within the NHS to address issues of earlier years I found the opportunity to learn about peer support.

“With this new way of sharing with others I realised how being trapped in ourselves with no hope really is an awful waste of our true potential.

“I have been driven with all of my friends, members, volunteers, staff at WATCH in Chard to help open doors in our communities as much as we can and this wonderful award says this about our charity.”

Somerset recipients in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025:

Joanna Cynthia BERRY Founder, Building Bridges for Peace: For services to Peace and Reconciliation (Frome, Somerset)

John EVANS Lately Group Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Cornwall College Group: For services to Further
Education (Bridgwater, Somerset)

Keith Robert HUGHES Lately Head of Submarine Structures, Submarine Delivery Agency: For services to Defence (Keynsham, Somerset)

Stephen Michael PEGGE Lately Managing Director, UK Finance: For services to Business (Weston-super-Mare, Somerset)

Dr Parag SINGHAL Consultant Endocrinologist, Weston Area Health NHS Trust: For services to Health Education and Black and Minority Ethnic Doctors (Weston-super-Mare, Somerset)

Jane WHITEHART International Lead Associate Consultant, People1st International Limited: For services to International Trade (Taunton, Somerset)

Elizabeth Julia DE THIERRY Founder and Chair, Trauma Recovery Centre: For services to Child and
Adolescent Mental Health and Trauma Recovery (Bath, Somerset)

Dr Philip John HADLEY Lately International Market Development Director, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. For services to International Trade in Agriculture (Ilminster, Somerset)

Paul Michael BUNCE Membership Support Officer, Wiltshire, Royal British Legion: For services to Veterans
(Yeovil, Somerset)

Christopher James COX Organiser and Fundraiser, Langport Centre Somerset, British Red Cross: For Voluntary Service (Somerton, Somerset)

Nola Mavis FRENCH: For services to the community in Evercreech, Somerset (Shepton Mallet, Somerset)

Julia Margaret KNIGHT Lieutenancy Officer: For services to the Somerset Lieutenancy (Taunton, Somerset)

Julie Ann MATTHEWS: For services to Mental Health in Somerset (Chard, Somerset)

Dr Harvey Charles Reginald SAMPSON Lately Director for Strategic Development, Symphony Healthcare
Service: For services to General Practice (Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset)

Keith Albert TAYLOR: For services to People with Multiple Sclerosis and Other Neurological Conditions (Somerset)