Sarah Hogan, a member of staff at Bath and North East Somerset Council, and Midsomer Norton resident, Stephen ‘Terry’ Taylor have received awards as part of the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.

Sarah Hogan has been awarded the British Empire Medal for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community. This could be a long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of a relatively short duration that has made a significant difference.

Sarah is a Team Manager in Children’s Services, and has been honoured for her excellent work on behalf of vulnerable children in Bath and North East Somerset. She has worked for the Council since 2012, and is the Team Manager of the Child Protection and Court Team. Sarah has managed this team since 2014, and during this time has worked to ensure young people are safeguarded and that multi-agency plans are in place for vulnerable children. Her

expertise was initially recognised in 2014, when she was a Finalist in the National Social Worker of the Year Awards.

The inclusion in the New Year’s Honours list is also recognition of the hard work of all of her colleagues, who contribute significantly to maintaining safe outcomes for vulnerable children across our area. This level of dedication and expertise from staff was also recognised by Ofsted inspectors in May 2017, when services for children were rated as ‘Good’, placing Bath and North East Somerset Council as one of the best performing Children’s Services in England.

Sarah said: “It was a huge surprise and an incredible honour to receive this award. Throughout my social work career, I have had the privilege to work alongside so many dedicated colleagues, who have worked tirelessly to protect children and young people and provide support to them and their families.

“Social workers everywhere deserve to be recognised for doing a tough and demanding job, and I therefore accept this award in recognition of the contributions made by everyone within the profession.”

78-year-old Stephen Terence Taylor, also known locally as ‘Terry’, has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours by way of an OBE for services to the community in Midsomer Norton.

Stephen is a Director of Norton Radstock Regeneration Company, the current Chair of the Community Association, and a Trustee of the Somer Valley Economic Environmental Development Company.

In 2014, he became Chair of the new Somer Valley Forum, a Council-supported group who work with parishes and community groups in the area with the Council, the police and other public groups. Terry is also known for his work with the Somer Valley Rotary Club, taking part in many fundraising activities, and played a large part in the creation of the Midsomer Norton skatepark.

Anya Shrubsole, who began her career in the Juniors at Bath CC, was also awarded an MBE for her part in the England Women’s Cricket team.