Pictured above: Clare Sawdon (left), Richard Turfitt (top right), and Christopher Cunnington-Shore (bottom right)
We’re delighted that three of our members – Christopher Cunnington-Shore, Clare Sawdon, and Richard Turfitt – were recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List, for their services to the administration of justice.
Christopher Cunnington-Shore MBE
Christopher has received an MBE for services to the magistracy and healthcare in County Durham, having served as a magistrate for thirty years.
He said: “It was totally unexpected and it is an absolute privilege to have been awarded an MBE.
“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all magistrates who give their time freely and without any expectation of such recognition. I have been fortunate to have served my Local Justice Area through many leadership roles and as a former Chair of the Cleveland and Durham Branch of the Magistrates Association. I feel extremely honoured to have been nominated.”
Clare Sawdon MBE
Clare has received an MBE for services to justice. She became the youngest magistrate in the county at only 29, when she was appointed to the Leamington Spa Bench in 1986. Currently Bench Chair for Coventry and Warwickshire, she has just been appointed as Midlands Lead Magistrate.
She said: “Having been appointed when I was still in my twenties I feel it is essential that we try to recruit more young people to the magistracy, so engaging with employers is essential so that they see the benefits of having magistrates as part of their workforce.
“Outside of my role as a JP, I have the honour of being a Deputy Lieutenant of Warwickshire with special responsibility for the voluntary sector, heading up the Kings Award for Voluntary Service Committee. I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the theatre and pottering in my garden which helps me to switch off!
“To receive the MBE for my services to the judiciary is a huge privilege and honour. I believe there is still a lot to do to raise the profile of the work that magistrates do, and the future is very exciting for us all.”
Richard Turfitt OBE
Richard, a member of our Cambridgeshire branch who sits on the Cambridgeshire bench, has received an OBE for services to road safety and justice. Richard Turfitt has served as Traffic Commissioner for the East of England since May 2008 and as Senior Traffic Commissioner (equivalent to Chamber President) between June 2017 and May 2025. He is also currently Acting Traffic Commissioner for Scotland.
Richard said: “I have been overwhelmed by the response to the announcement. There has been a lot of hard work to modernise the tribunal process and maintain the fairness of proceedings. I am delighted that the importance of this work has been recognised through this great honour.”
As well as Christopher, Clare and Richard, four other members were honoured for activities outside of the judiciary:
- Jeffrey Edwards OBE – For services to Survivors of disasters, to charity and to the community in Aberfan (Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan)
- Roger Phillips OBE – For services to the community in Hertfordshire.
- Lisa Gerson MBE – For services to Optometry, Education and Social Cohesion (Cardiff, South Glamorgan)
- David Perks MBE – For services to athletics.
If you’re an MA member, don’t miss our honours webinar on 17 February 2026 with Karen Canner from the Ministry of Justice, to find out more about the system and how to nominate magistrates for honorary titles.
