FORMER Penketh High pupil Tara Jones is one of those from the Warrington area to be honoured in the King’s New Year Honours.
The rugby league referee has received the MBE for services to Rugby League.
Ms Jones, aged 29, now lives in St Helens but is originally from Warrington. She hit the headlines last year by becoming the first female to take charge of a senior men’s fixture when she oversaw a League One encounter between Oldham and Cornwall.
Tara said: “Receiving an MBE is an absolute honour and a status I never imagined holding. I am truly humbled and accept it with immense pride, but this is not just for me personally. It represents the wider game gaining further recognition, particularly the growth and development of women’s and girls’ Rugby League over the years. That progress reflects the collective efforts of everyone involved, including all at the RFL, players, coaches, match officials, staff, and all advocates of women’s sport.
“As a former international and Women’s Super League player, current coach and now full-time match official, I hope to continue paving the way in Rugby League by showing that you can pursue your aspirations and that opportunities exist for everyone, regardless of role or background. In particular, I hope this encourages females to not only take up officiating but to do so with the belief that it is possible to officiate at the highest level in both the men’s and women’s game.
“I would like to thank all my family, friends, both current and past coaches, teammates, colleagues and all those who have supported me over the years. I am deeply grateful for this honour, which inspires me to continue striving for progress within the sport.”
Meanwhile, Susan Clare Briegal, from Warrington, received the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Ms Briegal, Chief Executive Officer, World Netball and Chair, North West Rowing Council, has been recognised for her services to sport.
Also, Professor Peter Farrell, construction management Professor Emeritus, University of Greater Manchester, has been honoured for services to Higher Education and to the Construction Industry.
Hannah Caulfield
Meanwhile, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is proud to reveal that Group Manager Hannah Caulfield has been awarded the prestigious King’s Fire Service Medal in recognition of her outstanding service and leadership.
Hannah is recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours List for her tireless commitment to supporting female firefighters and colleagues, helping to make the Service more diverse, inclusive, and supportive.
Throughout her career, Hannah has progressed from firefighter to group manager. Along the way, she has influenced the development of one of the most comprehensive maternity policies in the fire sector, strengthened support for pregnant women through peer networks and social groups, and worked with experts to raise awareness of menopause, while challenging stigma and shaping policies that foster understanding and inclusion.
Hannah has been instrumental in supporting Limitless, the Service’s women’s network, and has chaired the group since 2018. Under her leadership, Limitless has grown into a powerful support system that has influenced policy and positively shaped organisational culture.
Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Alex Waller, said: “Hannah is an exceptional colleague who thoroughly deserves this recognition. Through her dedication, vision, and commitment, she has become a leading figure in supporting and developing women within Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. Her recognition with the King’s Fire Service Medal is a fitting tribute to her achievements. I hope this award shines a light on the importance of diversity in the fire service and inspires more women to see firefighting as a career where they can thrive and make a difference.”
Hannah is currently the Group Manager responsible for the Service’s on-call fire stations and incident command training. She has developed mentoring and buddying schemes to support women through recruitment and early careers, alongside community events designed to encourage women to consider firefighting as a profession. Thanks to these initiatives, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has risen from 17th to 6th place nationally in the proportion of female firefighters it employs, making it more diverse and representative of the communities it serves.
Her impact has also been recognised beyond the Service. In 2022, she was named an “Exceptional Ally” by Women in the Fire Service. More recently, she was heavily involved in the creation of a career development programme designed with input from female firefighters, giving participants the confidence and skills to achieve their career ambitions.
Reflecting on the honour, Hannah said: “I am extremely proud to receive the King’s Fire Service Medal. This honour is not just a personal achievement, but a recognition of the collective efforts of so many colleagues who have worked tirelessly to make Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service more inclusive and supportive.”
The King’s Fire Service Medal is one of the highest honours awarded to fire service personnel in the UK. It recognises exceptional dedication, bravery, and contributions to public safety and community welfare.
