Chesterfield folk star and senior police officer named in Queen’s Birthday Honours List

A leading folk star and a police chief from Chesterfield are among Derbyshire’s community heroes who have been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Ashley Hutchings and his son  Blair Dunlop. Ashley has received an MBE for his services to folk music.Ashley Hutchings and his son  Blair Dunlop. Ashley has received an MBE for his services to folk music.
Ashley Hutchings and his son Blair Dunlop. Ashley has received an MBE for his services to folk music.

Heralded as the most influential man in British folk-rock music, Ashley Hutchings has received an MBE for his services to the genre.

The 70-year-old “pioneer”, who was born in London and lives in Cutthorpe, was the driving force behind several major bands in the English folk rock scene - including Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and the Albion Band.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They are all widely regarded as groups which enlivened the folk scene by introducing rock instruments and opening up traditional music to a new and younger audience.

Said Mr Hutchings: “I’m obviously very proud of this honour but it’s England’s musical tradition that’s being recognised as much as me.”

Chief Superintendent Sunita Gamblin, of Derbyshire Police, has been selected for the Queen’s Police Medal.

The Chesterfield woman joined the force in September 1989 and was first stationed at Pear Tree in Derby.

Hide Ad

She has spent most of her service in the city but has also worked in the force’s child protection unit for four years; as section inspector at Ashbourne; within the Professional Standards Department; as head of the Criminal Justice Department and is now head of Corporate Services based at headquarters.

Hide Ad

The British Empire Medal has been given to Barbara Anne Turner for services to the community in Holymoorside.

A former junior school teacher and life-long resident of the village, Mrs Turner is a well-known figure in the area for her tireless fundraising for various charities and good causes.

Her ‘outstanding’ work includes raising funds for the RNLI, overseas aid for Romania, Schools in Gambia, the international children’s medical charity Operation Smile, the Salvation Army, and Christian Aid.

Hide Ad

She is leader of the Chesterfield Macular Support Group and the Cotton Millers Group. She also helps with the Holymoorside Well Dressing, the Holymoorside Arts Festival, the Tiny Tots pre-school group, and provides pastoral care in the local area.

Stephen James Wright has also received the BEM for services to the community in Grassmoor, Hasland and Temple Normanton.