We are delighted to report that two Old Pangbournians, Tom Copinger-Symes (1982 - 87) and Hywel Peterson (1990 - 94) have been recognised for their achievements in the New Years Honours List.

Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Copinger-Symes CBE was made a KCB (Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath).  

Tom spent his early career with The Rifles on operations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, and in operational and strategy posts at the Permanent Joint Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence. For the past 10 years he has focused on how the Army and Defence can make better use of its data and information, whether supporting traditional warfighting or employed as a weapon in its own right.

In May 2022 Tom was promoted to Lieutenant General, on appointment as the Deputy Commander of UK Strategic Command. In August 2023 he assumed the additional responsibilities of Director General Joint Force Development.

Tom is also Colonel Commandant of The Rifles; Honorary Colonel of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry; is Chair of Army Cresta Tobogganing; and Vice President of Army Cricket and Football.

Hywel Peterson MBE, a long-serving volunteer and supporter of NSPCC Cymru, has received an MBE for Voluntary and Charitable Services in the King's New Year Honours.

Hywel was recognised for his work  which includes serving as Chairman of NSPCC Cymru’s Fundraising Board since it was launched in 2023 and being a member of the NSPCC Wales Appeal Board from 2016–2019.

Under Hywel’s leadership, the fundraising board has raised more than £1 million for NSPCC Cymru’s services during its first year, with funds going towards vital services in Wales such as Speak out Stay safe and Childline.

Hywel said: “The NSPCC’s fight for every childhood is a cause very close to my heart and this incredible personal honour also reflects the hard work that has taken place by the NSPCC in Wales, my fundraising board, and its many supporters – both individual and corporate.

On behalf of the whole Pangbourne community we would like to send our heartiest congratulatiions to Sir Tom and Hywel.