Cheese manufacturer honored in New Year Honours

Richard Clothier, managing director of Wyke Farms, and Sarah Massey, former managing director of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, have both been honoured with MBEs in the New Year Honours list. Clothier was recognised for his sustainable farming practices, while Massey was celebrated for her contributions to women's sport.

A trailblazing British cheddar manufacturer focused on carbon-neutral production and a leading figure in women's sports have both been honoured in the New Year Honours list. Richard Clothier, managing director of Wyke Farms in Somerset, was recognised for his groundbreaking work in sustainable agriculture and food production. He expressed his surprise and humility upon being awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire). Sarah Massey, former managing director of the Womens Rugby World Cup 2025, also received an MBE, calling the recognition a "real privilege" and attributing it to the collective efforts behind the event's success. Both Clothier and Massey are among 13 individuals from Somerset who were acknowledged in this years honours.

Richard Clothier's Sustainable Achievements

At the age of 59, Clothier reflected on the longstanding sustainability efforts of his familys farming practices. These efforts not only contribute to their businesss success but also enhance the local environment. Being able to improve biodiversity, enhance natural capital, and make the air cleaner while being better neighbours is a truly significant goal, said Clothier. The honour he received for these efforts was deeply humbling for him and his team.

Wyke Farms, known globally for its commitment to sustainability in cheesemaking, exports products to 160 countries. The companys focus on renewable energy, waste management, air quality, and water recovery has garnered global attention, with visitors from various countries seeking to learn from their practices.

Sarah Massey on Her Honour

Upon receiving her MBE, Sarah Massey was filled with pride. When I opened the honours letter, it was a huge moment for me. Once it's announced, it will feel even more real, she said. Massey highlighted that the award represents a team effort behind the success of the Womens Rugby World Cup. The event was a milestone, breaking records and elevating women's sport on a global scale. "We had a clear vision for how we wanted the event to unfold, working closely with World Rugby, England Rugby, and UK Sport. Our goal was to promote and advocate for women's sport, and it was a joy to be part of that," Massey added.

Despite the significant progress made, Massey acknowledged that further work is needed to support women's sport. She encouraged role models to inspire young girls to continue pursuing sports and expressed gratitude for the summer of womens sports, which included events such as the Euros, tennis, and the Womens World Cup. These events attracted new audiences and helped create positive momentum for female athletes.

Ron Homer's Recognition for Advocacy in Sport

Ron Homer, a 73-year-old world champion in bowls, received a British Empire Medal for his work with visually impaired and blind individuals in Somerset. Homer, who serves as the treasurer of the Yeovil Visually Impaired Bowls Club, expressed his joy and surprise upon receiving the honour. "I was absolutely over the moon. I had to get my daughter to read the letter several times to ensure it was for me. I was completely overwhelmed," he said.

Homer is dedicated to encouraging newly registered visually impaired individuals to try bowls. Reflecting on his own experience of losing his sight, Homer shared, "When I first lost my sight, my whole world collapsed. You cant drive, I had to leave my job, and it felt like a big black hole. But a social worker handed me a leaflet for a visually impaired bowls club, and the rest, as they say, is history." Homer believes that bowls offers both a social outlet and a means of staying active, urging others to avoid isolation. "We dont want people to be sitting at home, watching TV, and being on their own," he added. Though he felt others might be more deserving of the honour, Homer accepted the award with pride.

Other Honours in Somerset

In addition to Clothier, Massey, and Homer, several other individuals from Somerset received recognition:

• Fiona Bloor Technical Lead, UK Hydrographic Office
• Martin Hodgson CEO, YMCA Dulverton Group
• Margaret Maltby County President, Girlguiding Somerset
• Alice Potter Group President, West Hatch Scout Group
• Jonathan Wheatley Charity and Horticulture Work

Those appointed Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) include:

• Paul Freeston Chair & CEO, Apetito
• Jane Louise Hadfield Board Member, Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education
• Simon Taylor Volunteer, Liberal Democrats

Joanna Shanmugalingam, Second Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport, was also awarded the Companion of the Order of the Bath.

Other Notable Stories

• Visually-impaired bowlers to represent England
• How many homes could be heated by cow poo?
• 'World Cup win will change these girls' lives'

Sources:

• MBE for Wyke Farms as cheese producer honoured for sustainable agriculture
• Third generation cheesemaker recognised in New Year Honours List
• NFU member recognised by King for services to sustainable agriculture and food production
• Cheese producer recognised in New Year Honours