Royal Honours for local people

This year’s awards were particularly poignant for recipients as the country marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Former organist and musical director at Christ Church in Lisburn, Richard Yarr, was awarded and MBE.

Richard, who is Senior Producer of Music, Arts and Events at BBCNI and presenter of the popular Sunday evening programme, Sounds Sacred, on BBC Radio Ulster, said: “My initial response was one of shock, then humility and delight.

“The Honour recognises not only my personal accomplishments, but also those of the teams and groups I’ve worked with in Northern Ireland and beyond. I’ve been brilliantly supported.

“Music has provided me with the most incredible experiences and I’m so pleased to bring similar opportunities to others in whatever way I can.

“It’s particularly nice to have received this on the occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. I’m not quite sure when the Investiture will be but it will involve a trip to either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, and a lovely opportunity for my family and I to enjoy a landmark moment. I’m sure I’ll be nervous but I’ll definitely embrace it all.”

The Manager of the Atlas Women’s Centre in Lisburn, Gay Sherry-Bingham, was also honoured with a BEM for her tireless work in the community, She started as a volunteer with teh Atlas Mobile Creche in 2000, before becoming Project Leader and then Manager.