King Charles III
11 recipients with Barnet connections were recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026 for their achievements, hard work and dedication to the community.
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Neil Stuart Martin, Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade (JLGB)
For services to interfaith relations and Holocaust remembrance.
JLGB is recognised as a youth organisation of which Barnet’s young people are members of. JLGB has also supported the borough’s annual Holocaust Memorial Service.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Professor Ruth-Anne Lenga
For services to Holocaust Education
Marlie Marie Packer
For services to Rugby Union Football
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Judith Charlesworth, Lately Chair of Barnet Special Education Trust
For services to education.
Judith Charlesworth has dedicated over five decades to improving education for children with special educational needs and disabilities, both in schools and through governance and leadership.
Richard Duncan Morrison, Music Critic
For services to music.
Richard Duncan Morrison is a prominent English classical music critic, chief culture writer for The Times, and columnist for BBC Music Magazine, renowned for his insightful commentary. He is the director of music for St Mary's Church, Hendon.
Robert Paul Rams
For political service. (Ex-Barnet Cllr and Cabinet Member)
Dr Nazee Akbari
For services to Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
Judith Frances Dewinter
For services to the NHS
Steven David Lewis
For services to Jewish Care and the community in Greater London
Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
Mervyn Sydney Kersh, British Army Veteran of the Normandy Landings and Bergen-Belsen
For services to Holocaust remembrance and education.
Mervyn Sydney Kersh, a D-Day veteran, has been honoured for his school talks on Holocaust remembrance and his wartime service.
Erno Kalman (Yisrael) Abelesz
For services to Holocaust Remembrance
The Worshipful Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Danny Rich, congratulated those recognised in the King’s Honours:
“I am delighted on behalf of the borough to send my best wishes and congratulations to all the Honours recipients. Their selfless efforts have been justifiably recognised.
“Although it is unwise to select from such a worthy group, I think I can be forgiven for mentioning Mervyn Kersh whom I have met and who is indeed inspirational.”