Birthday honours for local women

Sharon Lamont from Millburn Primary School received the MBE for services to early years learning in Northern Ireland.

Sharon told the Times the award was a “huge honour which makes me feel very humbled.”

She received notification from the Cabinet Office about four weeks ago asking if she would give permission for her name to go forward to the Queen’s Office for consideration for an MBE.

“Well, it’s not the sort of question you say no to,” said Sharon.

“I was so shocked but it’s a real privilege to be acknowledged for doing a job that I love.

“I didn’t really mention it anyone as it’s not the sort of thing you just drop into conversation. However, I did tell my mother and my daughter and my school principal, John Platt, in person.

“And it’s amazing how quickly news travels as so many people have mentioned it to me since the weekend.”

Sharon praised the work carried out in Millburn Primary School in relation to early years learning.

“We work very closely with the Department of Education and other stakeholders such as CEA and the Regional Training Unit and I am very fortunate that I have such a fantastic team to work with here in Millburn.”

Sharon will receive her award at Buckingham Palace some time in the next six months but, meanwhile, it was back to work as normal, rearranging a Sports Day which was postponed due to bad weather.

“Because the children always have to come first,” reflected Sharon.

Meanwhile, Portrush woman Florence Mitchell was also awarded the MBE for her work with charity Cancer Research.