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Ripon's newest MBE thought recognition letter from London was speeding fine

Wednesday, 21 June 2023 04:00

Ripon Farm Services Managing Director Geoff Brown recalls the moment he found out he'd been honoured with an MBE.

Ripon's newest MBE thought recognition letter from London was speeding fine Ripon's newest MBE has recalled the moment he found out he was to be honoured with an MBE - and thought he was receiving a speeding fine. The King’s Birthday Honours List was released on Friday (16th June), revealing various medals and honours for people in the Harrogate district. And Geoff Brown, Managing Director of Ripon Farm Services, was made an MBE for services to the rural economy. Geoff said he received a phone call and a letter from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. He told Your Harrogate:

"Well it was a great surprise I’ve got to say, I didn’t know anything about it until last week! "I got a call from a London number and I also then got an envelope which had a yellow ticket it - I thought it was maybe a speeding fine or something! "I’m very proud."

Geoff Brown is a hugely respected figure within Yorkshire's farming sector. Also on the King's Birthday Honours list was Harrogate police officer Sgt Paul Cording, who has received an BME (British Empire Medal) for his work around road safety. He has described the honour as "bonkers" and said he is both "shocked and massively humbled" by the support. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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