Red Cross, an ex-girl guide leader, and a career civil servant were among 12 people named to the New Year's Honours List, Government Information Services yesterday revealed.

Norma Cox Astwood, who resigned her post as Senate Vice-President in September and now lives in Barbados, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Frank Gamble, Florenz Elaine Webbe Maxwell and Neville Maxwell Alexander Smith, were all made Members of the Order of the British Empire.

Awarded a Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour were Sybil Aileen Belboda, David Webster Knight, Kathleen Alice Mayor, Mark Selley, Calvin Kea Simons, Edith Irene Smith, Katherine Adain (Kay) Trerice and Charles Henry Webb.

In June, 1988, Dr. Astwood -- then sitting as an Independant -- became the first woman to be appointed to the post of Vice-President of the Senate.

Bermudian-born and a mother of three, holds a Ph.D. from Adelphi University in the USA. Her professional career included 20 years as a public school classroom teacher, head of remedial department, school psychologist intern, and assistant professor of the doctoral student programme at Adelphi Universtiy.

From 1974 to 1982 she acted as school psychologist for the Bermuda Department of Education; her duties involved diagnostic evaluations, clinical assessments, counselling and therapeutic services before becoming director of Social Services in the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

In August, 1995, Dr. Astwood married Barbadian statesman Sir Frank Blackman, KA, KCVO, OBE. She is an avid golfer and swimmer.

Bermudian born Frank Gamble heads the list of three appointed as Members of the Order of the British Empire.

He has been a resident of Smith's Parish for more than 40 years, and is well known for his service with Smith's Parish Vestry and the Centenary Methodist Church.

Since 1984 Mr. Gamble has turned his energy towards full-time voluntary work as director of the Bermuda Branch of the British Red Cross, in which capacity Former Guides chief made an MBE Red Cross in the aftermath of Hurricanes Gilbert, which smashed Jamaica in 1988, and Hurricane Hugo, which tore into Montserrat in 1989.

Throughout his term he has overseen the expansion of Red Cross First Aid and CPR training, HIV/AIDS education, and disaster preparedness.

Florenz Maxwell has only recently stepped down as Commissioner of Guiding in Bermuda, concluding a guiding career that began as a Brownie.

Mrs. Maxwell has also worn several other career hats, including teacher, journalist and librarian. Since 1972 she has served as Librarian for the Youth Library.

With husband Dr. Clifford Maxwell, Mrs. Maxwell has two grown sons, Clarence and Alphonso, both residing on the Island.

After 32 years in the civil service working under five different Cabinet Ministers, Neville Smith -- who started out as a postal clerk -- retired in May, 1996.

He spent the last 14 years of his service as the Chief Immigration Officer in the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety.

Now in retirement he is devoting all his energies as Pastor of the Radnor Road Christian Fellowship, which has seen its congregation grow from a mere handful to more than 350 persons who regularly attend Sunday services.

Leading off the list of those receiving the Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour is Salvation Army Bandsman David Knight, best known locally as Bermuda's Mr. Music.

A 40-year veteran of the Army, Mr. Knight also holds the distinction of being the first Bermudian to have a composition published by the Salvation Army.

Over the years at the Hamilton Citadel, he has served as Scout Master, bandsman, songster, Company guard, Corps pianist, and as a member of the Army's League of Mercy.

Warwick's Sybil Belboda earned Royal recognition for her tireless work in cleaning up her Bulkhead Drive neighbourhood.

As often as necessary she can be found clad in gardening gloves, armed with a broom, shovel and trash bags, attacking litter.

Paget's Kathleen Mayor is cited for her community work on behalf of the Hospitals Auxialary of Bermuda.

She has been active on several of the Auxiliary's committees, as well as serving as the organisation's Vice-president, President, and Immediate Past President.

Former power boat racer Mark Selley has for many years been actively involved in community events, working to help establish the Bermuda Stroke and Family Suport Association as well as helping to organise a Christmas party for some of the Island's "special people.'' Founder of the Pacers track and field club, Calvin Kea Simons has long been recognised as one of the best track coaches on the Island.

He was earlier this year awarded the Honourary Referee Award at the East Coast Invitational Track Meet for his outstanding contribution to sport.

Mrs. Edith Smith was appointed for her contributions to the community, principally through the Women's Hospital Auxiliary.

Now 91-years-old, Mrs. Smith joined the Auxiliary in 1954 and served in various capacities. She resides in Smith's parish.

Currently Chairman of the Marine Resources Board, Katherine (Kay) Trerice was cited for her various contributions to the community through various Government Boards, as well as a leading lay member of the Anglican Church.

At 84-years well-known upholsterer Charles Henry Webb rounds out the list of appointees.

The Devonshire resident, who operates Webb's Upholstery on King Street, has also served as a warden at Christ Church under four different Rectors.

Norma Astwood OBE Frank Gamble MBE Florenz Maxwell MBE Neville Smith MBE