Two South Holland residents are celebrating after being named in the New Year’s Honours list.
Liz Lenten and John Goree have both been awarded the British Empire Medal.
59-year-old Liz, from Gosberton Risegate, received her honour for services to music.
She decided she wanted to be a professional musician aged six, a year after her dad had taught her how to play guitar.
She’s carved out a fine career as a guitarist and singer both with her band Auburn and as a solo act in her own right.
As well as the playing side, she runs Scarlet Recordings and manages other artists.
But after moving to Lincolnshire nearly 20 years ago, Lliz became inspired in delivering musical opportunities after Gosberton Risegate Primary School heard of her talents and asked her to deliver a week of lessons.
She loved it so much she decided to take it to other schools after being awarded funding for the project and believes she’s worked with thousands of children over the years in nearly every school in Lincolnshire at some point.
It was just the start. She soon set up Choir Vibe giving people from rural areas such as South Holland the chance to meet up and sing as a choir.
New sessions are set to start up early next year at Broad Street Methodist Church.
She’s also helped set up Beat Fit sessions which offer active classes for people using musical instruments and in September put on a festival in Gosberton.
Liz heard about the BEM about three weeks ago, but initially thought it was a scam.
“I just feel overwhelmed and blown away,” she said. “I’m still a little bit in disbelief and struggling to take it all in.
“It’s been difficult not to be able to tell anyone as I’m not very good at keeping secrets.
“My career highlights include playing in New Orleans and Nashville and supporting Sophie Ellis-Bexter at Hammersmith, there’s been so many and this now too.
“My family and friends are incredibly proud. The only slight sadness is my mum passed away a few years ago so isn’t around to see it, but oh my god, she would have been so proud.”
John Goree received his BEM for services to the disabled in Lincolnshire and the Midlands.
John, from Donington, has spent 39 years working to support disabled people across the area.
For the last 21 years, he’s been support manager for services in Lincolnshire and the MIdlands for Ambient.
Sadly John (61) had to take early retirement at the end of April after becoming ill and was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in August.
He said: “I’m very humbled.
“When I first received notification that I was getting the award I thought someone was pulling my leg but then I felt very proud and chuffed.”
