Three women from the island have been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Suzanne Mary Harding, from Baldrine, and Trudi Williamson, from Union Mills, have been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), while Julia Helen North, from Marown, has been given the British Empire Medal (BEM).

Suzanne, who is 65, has been rewarded for her work with the Isle of Man Samaritans.

She has been a Samaritan for over 35 years and a director of the Isle of Man service for three years.

She is a trainer and active committee member and is said to be the driving force behind the team that visits the Isle of Prison each week.

Asked how she heard the good news Suzanne said: ’The governor called me and told me to sit down.

’He said "you’re doing to get a surprise". I burst into tears when he told me. It was an amazing thing to hear.

’I can’t describe it. I’m thrilled to bits. particularly for the Isle of Man Samaritans as it’s an acknowledgement of all the work they do.

’The reason I got involved is because I’m much more interested in doing something rather than just being on a committee.’

Mrs Williamson is a charity trustee, a magistrate and the deputy chairman of Isle of Man Newspapers.

Her honour recognises her work in raising the profile of the island.

She was part of the team that created the ’freedom to flourish’ campaign and in 2006 launched the annual Awards for Excellence event, which recognises success in community life, business and the public sector in the island.

Mrs Williamson has worked for Isle of Man Newspapers for 40 years, is married to Andrew and has a daughter, Hebe.

She said: ’I was surprised and humbled to be chosen to receive an MBE.

’What I have achieved over years has been possible only because of the support of colleagues, friends and family, and I’d like to thank them all for all the hard work they’ve done over the years.

’The Isle of Man is such a wonderful place in which to live and has such a strong community that it has been a privilege to be a small part in its success.’

Seventy-nine-year-old Julia has been recognised for services to the Manx community.

She is a former chairman of Marown and District Branch of IOM Anti-Cancer Committee and is said to have revived the Marown Fruit and Vegetable Show, now called Parish Day.

She was also co-ordinator of the Marown Parish Poppy Appeal.

She said: ’I got a call and the governor asks you if you will accept it.

’I was shocked, very shocked. I never dreamt I’d be deserving of it, any more than I’d be likely to fly to the moon.’

Asked how she became involved in charity work Julia said: ’You sort of drift into it. I took over the poppy appeal from the late Norma Cowin not really knowing what I had to do, but over time you develop these things. It’s much bigger than it used to be. I had to give it up last year for health reasons.’

Read more in Tuesday’s Examiner.