Meet the everyday heroes making Suffolk a better place to live
A woman who saved and transformed Suffolk's Meals on Wheels service and a bridge teacher who created a thriving community of over 100 members are among three Suffolk residents honoured for their exceptional service to the county.
Why it matters: These local heroes demonstrate how individual action can transform communities and improve lives across Suffolk – from helping vulnerable elderly residents stay in their homes to breaking down social isolation.
The big picture: The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston, presented British Empire Medals to Teresa Aristodemou and Richard Evans, while Robert Utting received the Imperial Service Medal at a ceremony in Euston today.
Saving a vital lifeline: Teresa Aristodemou stepped in when funding cuts threatened Suffolk's Meals on Wheels in 2017, founding the Aspect Living Foundation (ALF) to save the service. Under her leadership:
- The service now helps 450 elderly and vulnerable residents
- She launched an innovative Hospital to Home scheme helping early patient discharge
- The service proved crucial during Covid-19, managing a 25% surge in demand
- Daily health and wellbeing checks are provided alongside meals
Breaking down isolation: Richard Evans has been recognised for transforming community life in Stansfield through:
- Creating a bridge club in 2007 that grew to over 100 members
- Leading village hall renovation efforts
- Setting up online bridge sessions during the pandemic to combat isolation
- Contributing to county-level bridge development for over a decade
- Using his Fleet Street journalism experience to edit the County Bridge Newsletter
A lifetime of service: Robert Utting's Imperial Service Medal – a first for Suffolk – marks 43 years in the courts system, including:
- Managing critical court services across East Anglia
- Training new court staff
- Contributing to high-profile justice projects
- Serving on Suffolk's Criminal Justice Board
- Supporting the implementation of the first specialist Family Court business centre
What they're saying: "Listening to their stories of service, and hearing about the sacrifices they have made in their own lives to help serve others, is deeply humbling," the Lord-Lieutenant said after the ceremony.
The bottom line: These awards recognise how individual dedication can create lasting positive change in local communities – from ensuring elderly residents receive daily care to building social connections that combat loneliness.
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