Four in our area delighted by Queen's Birthday Honour

Jun 13 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A PRIEST and a prison officer are among those named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Four dedicated local people have been honoured for their contributions to their professions and communities.

Lt Cdr Reginald Horner receives the MBE for voluntary service to the Sea Cadet Corps in Huddersfield.

He said: “I was so surprised when I got the letter – I am delighted by it and very grateful too.

“I have absolutely loved it – working with the cadets and seeing the young people enjoy themselves and be so keen and active in what they do makes it all worthwhile.”

He was born in Marsh and joined the Huddersfield Sea Cadets in 1949.

He spent four years as a cadet and then served with the Navy for 14 years before joining the Navy Reserves until he retired in 1988. He became chairman of the Sea Cadets in 1989.

He has been married to wife Angela for 36 years and they now live in Holywell Green, Halifax.

The Very Rev Henry Stapleton of Honley receives the MBE for services to the Church of England.

Rev Stapleton said: “I am delighted, it is a great honour.

“I hope that parishioners will share my pride.

“It is not only an award for me but also an award for my wife and family and the people of all the parishes I’ve served in.”

Rev Stapleton became a priest in 1956 and spent his time in Yorkshire’s parish churches as well as Rochester and Carlisle.

He has been retired for more than ten years now but his dedication to the church continues.

He added: “I have met the Queen several times before.

“I received the Maundy Money when she came to Wakefield Cathedral.

“But it is always a privilege to meet the Queen.”