Two of the women from the island who were honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list attended a reception at Government House on Tuesday evening.

Suzanne Harding, from Baldrine, and Trudi Williamson, from Union Mills, were both awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Suzanne, who is 65, was 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.

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 was joined at the reception, where drinks and canapes were served, by Isle of Man Newspapers’ editor Richard Butt, sports editor, John Watterson, media adviser Kathy Smith, and Trudi’s long-time PA Rachel Kay.

The Lieutenant Governor, Sir Richard Gozney, spoke in praise of both women’s achivements.

Trudi and Suzanne gave speeches saying how humbled they were to be recognised in this way.

Trudi and Suzanne will both travel to Buckingham Palace later this year to receive their MBEs.

Julia Helen North, from Marown, hasl receive dthe British Empire Medal (BEM).

Julia was recognised for services to the Manx community. A former chairman of Marown and District Branch of IOM Anti-Cancer Committee she was also co-ordinator of the Marown Parish Poppy Appeal.