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Islanders Recognised In King's First New Year Honours List

(Left: Martin Rayner. Right: Jon Gilbey).

A life-saving and long-serving coastguard rescue officer, a passionate heritage railway volunteer and a stalwart of the Shanklin community are among the Islanders recognised in His Majesty’s New Year Honours.

Becoming a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is Peter Jardine, from Newport.

Mr Jardine is a hard working volunteer at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. He has been at the forefront of the Havenstreet attraction's award-winning four-wheeled carriage restoration project, among other initiatives.

He has been given an MBE for his services to Heritage Railway.

Receiving a British Empire Medal (BEM) meanwhile, is former mayor of Shanklin, Jonathan Gilbey.

As an ex-councillor and prominent businessman, Mr Gilbey is a familiar figure to the community — both in the town and further afield.

Most recently he has helped to delivered new public toilets in Shanklin, Gurnard, Newport and Yarmouth.

He has been recognised for services to the community in Shanklin.

Also getting a BEM is Martin Rayner, from Ventnor. Martin has been involved with Ventnor Coastguard for more than four decades.

Since joining in 1980, it's estimated he has played a key role in more than 2,000 rescues on the Isle of Wight.

Reacting to his award, Martin said:

"I’m really honoured. My father was in the service before me so between us we have been a part of the Coastguard family for around 70 years."

During the great storm of 1987, Martin was among the first to hear a call to mobilise from Solent Coastguard. He then spent the day helping people with the Ventnor team.

Years later, in 2014, he was still dedicated and part of another historic response – this time to evacuate homes at risk from a landslip on Undercliff Drive between Niton and St Lawrence.

After more than 40 years, Martin has now decided a well-earned rest is in order as he retires from service.

He added:

“Being a Coastguard Rescue Officer for the last 42 years has been a way of life for me and my family.

“I have had a fantastic time in the service, feeling that I have given something back to the community.

“My family have supported me throughout and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

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