HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria

17/06/2026

A meaningful morning in Kendal last Friday, as one of our Deputy Lieutenants Susie Villiers Smith attended the Turning of the Leaves ceremony.

Held monthly at Kendal Parish Church, this moving tradition honours those who have served, with names read aloud and remembered.

It was especially lovely to see Year 5 pupils from Vicarage Park School join the ceremony - a powerful reminder of the importance of passing on remembrance to the next generation.

16/06/2026

HM The King’s Birthday Honours 2026 🎖️

Following the announcement this weekend, Cumbria is celebrating the achievements of eight outstanding individuals recognised in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026 for their exceptional service across education, defence, business, healthcare, sport, tourism and the voluntary sector.

The Honours recognise those who have gone above and beyond in serving others and making a positive difference to society. This year’s recipients truly reflect the depth of talent, dedication and public service found across our county.

👏 Congratulations to:

Knight Bachelor
• Professor Stephen Thurston Munby CBE – For services to Education

Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
• Dr Rebecca Weston FREng – For services to Defence

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
• David George Beeby DL – For services to Business, Economic Growth and the Voluntary Sector in Cumbria

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
• Dr Amanda Hensman-Crook – For services to Physiotherapy
• Linda Minnis – For services to the Charitable Sector

British Empire Medal (BEM)
• Brenda Couzens – For voluntary service to the RNLI
• George Michael Dodd – For services to Rowing
• Ernest George Fallowfield – For services to Tourism

💬 The Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr Alexander Scott, said:

"It is a source of immense pride for our county to see so many Cumbrians recognised for their remarkable contributions to society… Their achievements inspire us all and demonstrate the extraordinary impact individuals can have."

The UK Honours system relies on public nominations - if you know someone making a real difference, consider putting them forward.
Find out more about how to nominate via the Cumbria Lieutenancy website.

https://cumbria-lieutenant.org.uk/honours-and-awards

How to nominate exceptional individuals, community organisations or businesses for a national honour, a King's Award for Voluntary Service, or a King's Award for Enterprise. Also information on Royal Garden Parties and Anniversary and Birthday Messages

11/06/2026

Our Deputy Lieutenant, Cdr (SCC) Phil Burns MBE DL ENR, had the honour of welcoming three of our newest citizens last week as they took this important step, marking the beginning of their journey as part of our community.

Also in attendance was Mr Doug Rathbone, Chairman of Westmorland & Furness Council, helping to recognise and celebrate the significance of the day.

These ceremonies are always a wonderful reminder of the diversity, pride and shared values that strengthen our communities. A very warm welcome to our new citizens - we are delighted to have you here in Cumbria.

05/06/2026

🌟 Celebrating Volunteers’ Week in Cumbria

This week (1–7 June) is Volunteers’ Week – a chance to recognise the incredible contribution volunteers make across our communities every day.

Here in Cumbria, we’re proud to shine a light on the Cumbria Lieutenancy – a team of volunteers, from the Lord-Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant to around 30 Deputy Lieutenants, supporting communities across the county.

👑 The Lieutenancy
The Lieutenancy is His Majesty The King’s presence in Cumbria, celebrating achievement, encouraging voluntary service, and championing community spirit.

Our Deputy Lieutenants are often the “eyes and ears” of the county – meeting groups, attending events, and helping highlight the amazing work happening right across Cumbria.

🏆 King’s Award for Voluntary Service
We also champion the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) – the highest award for volunteer groups in the UK. Recent Cumbrian recipients include:

*Cockermouth Scout Group (2025)
*Keswick Community Housing Trust (2024)
*BEEP Doctors, Cumbria Young Farmers, SAFA Cumbria, Susan’s Farm & more (2023)
*Cockermouth Emergency Response Group (2022)

We’ll soon be sharing details of 2027 nominations, so keep an eye on our channels.

💬 Thank You
To every volunteer across Cumbria – you are brilliant. We are always proud to shine a light on the difference you make.

📩 Get in Touch
Planning something special or celebrating a milestone? We’d love to hear from you:

📧 [email protected]

We’re also keen to hear your stories and nominations for Honours or Royal Garden Parties.

Let’s continue celebrating the people and communities that make Cumbria so special.

02/06/2026

It was a very wet start to Give a Day to Kendal 2026, but that certainly didn’t dampen spirits 🌧️👏

Yesterday, the Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria Alexander Scott, joined dedicated volunteers in Kendal as part of this fantastic community initiative, taking place throughout National Volunteers Week (1–7 June).

The opening days are focused on improving four of Kendal’s most-used town yards, with volunteers - supported by Kendal BID and in association with Churches Together in Cumbria- rolling up their sleeves to clean, paint, tidy and enhance these shared spaces. These small but important improvements will help make Kendal even more welcoming for residents and visitors alike. Give a Day to Kendal is all about bringing people together to make a positive, lasting difference - whether that’s refreshing public spaces, supporting local facilities, or improving wellbeing and sustainability across the town.

A huge thank you to everyone who has already given their time, skills and energy this week, it truly showcases the strength of our community spirit.

There’s still time to get involved - whether as an individual, group or business, even a single day can make a real impact.

🔗 Find out more or sign up to volunteer: https://volunteering.cumbriacvs.org.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10270092

Westmorland and Furness Council Kendal Town Council Churches Together in Cumbria Cumbria CVS

29/05/2026

👑 The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2027 are now open for applications 👑

Calling all Cumbrian businesses - this is your opportunity to gain national recognition for your hard work, innovation and impact.

Widely regarded as the UK’s highest business honour, The King’s Awards for Enterprise are often compared to an MBE for businesses. They celebrate excellence across the country and provide winners with a globally recognised mark of achievement.

With a proud history dating back to 1966 and nearly 8,000 recipients to date, these awards highlight the very best of British business.
🌟 Award categories:

💡 Innovation
🌍 International Trade
💚 Sustainability
🤝 Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility)
🙌 New for 2027 - Young Founders

📅 Apply by: 1pm, 8 September
✔ Free to enter
✔ Open to organisations of all sizes and sectors
✔ Multiple category applications are welcome

The Cumbria Lieutenancy is here to support you throughout the process - we’re passionate about helping local businesses put their best foot forward and achieve the recognition they deserve.

💬 Application pointers:
• Focus on clear, measurable impact
• Use strong evidence and data
• Answer each question thoroughly
• Start early to give yourself time to refine

To find out more and apply: https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
or email 📩 [email protected]

We’d love to see more of our regions fantastic businesses recognised.

27/05/2026

A few more highlights from last week’s British Empire Medal Investiture at the beautiful Muncaster Castle (with a few more puppies included - too adorable to leave out!)

A truly memorable evening celebrating the exceptional people who make Cumbria such a special place.

As His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Alexander Scott so aptly captures it: “Cumbria - quietly remarkable, endlessly inspiring.”

Do you know someone going above and beyond in your community? Honours recognise people from all backgrounds who are making a real difference whether through long-term dedication or outstanding impact. This might include:

✅ Making a difference to their community or field of work
✅ Long-term voluntary service
✅ Innovation or entrepreneurship
✅ Improving life for those less able to help themselves
✅ Displaying moral courage
✅ Enhancing Britain’s reputation or driving meaningful change

Honours are awarded across a wide range of areas including community and voluntary service, health, education, sport, arts and media, science and technology, business, and public service.

We’re especially keen to hear about young people making a difference. Age is no barrier - the youngest ever BEM recipient in the UK was just 9 years old!

If someone comes to mind, why not consider putting them forward? Their contribution deserves to be recognised.

Find out more 👉 https://www.gov.uk/honours
Or get in touch 👉 [email protected]

22/05/2026

A truly memorable evening at Muncaster Castle yesterday, celebrating the presentation of three British Empire Medals.

(Pictured left to right) Our warmest congratulations to:

• Susan Holliday – for Services to Policing and to the community in Cumbria
• Frances Elizabeth Hill – for Services to Education
• Christine Marie Pattinson – for Services to the community in Distington, West Cumbria

Each recognition reflects an outstanding contribution to community life, and it was a privilege to mark these achievements in such a special setting.

A heartfelt thank you to Iona Frost-Pennington and Peter Frost-Pennington for their exceptional hospitality and hosting us at the spectacular Muncaster Castle, and for so warmly welcoming recipients, friends and family.

Thank you also to Hannah Clapp for her event planning and support, and to Christopher Holmes DL and Iona Frost-Pennington DL for delivering the citations so beautifully.

A very special occasion for all involved.

And no castle celebration would be complete without a few extra VIP guests - some delightful puppies who stole hearts and added an extra touch of magic to the evening!

More to follow in the coming days…

Muncaster Castle

20/05/2026

A day spent connecting, learning and sharing best practice across the Lieutenancy.

We were pleased to join colleagues from across the country yesterday at a conference hosted by the wonderful Greater Manchester Lieutenancy. With contributions from representatives of the Royal Households, the Cabinet Office and the Lord Chamberlain’s Office, the day reinforced the importance of collaboration and connection in our work. Lieutenancy teams continue to uphold and support the role of the Crown locally - championing honours and awards, facilitating Royal visits, and celebrating the people and organisations who make a difference in our communities.

It was also inspiring to hear about Poetry Together by the wonderfully charming Gyles Brandreth, a brilliant charity championing connection through creativity - something we’re excited to explore further here in Cumbria.

Thank you to Greater Manchester Lieutenancy for bringing everyone together so thoughtfully.

18/05/2026

It was a fantastic day at the Young Farmers Northern District Field Day, held at Shawhill, Kirkbride on 16 May, where Deputy Lieutenant Debbie Keighley joined an inspiring group of young people showcasing the very best of rural talent and teamwork.

Run entirely by Young Farmers aged 10–28, the event brought together all 15 clubs from across the Northern District, each one contributing to a vibrant and competitive programme of activities. From tractor reversing and farm management challenges to cookery, flower arranging, and even pole and bolster (with a purpose-built pool crafted from hay bales!), the day reflected an impressive mix of practical skills, creativity and good humour.

Debbie had the pleasure of meeting event organisers and Young Farmers leaders, including National YFC Chair representatives, and was struck by the energy, professionalism and community spirit demonstrated throughout.

📸 Pictured (left to right):
Abigail Graham, Cumbria YFC Chair (Walton YFC)
Debbie Keighley DL
Ella Batey, Field Day Secretary (Wigton YFC)

The event highlighted the strength and future of rural communities, with young people taking the lead, building connections, and supporting each other in a friendly but competitive environment.

A huge well done to everyone involved in organising and taking part - a real testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of Young Farmers across Cumbria and the wider Northern District.