The valuable services of a local soldier, doctor and blacksmith made them members of a prestigious order after the Queen?s New Year?s Honours List was announced last night.

Lt. Col. David Gibbons and Dr. Beresford Swan were made Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and blacksmith, Mr. Alpheaus Black was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

The Orders were created by George V in 1917 after the First World War as part of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Valuable service is the only criterion for the award. Citizens from other countries may also receive an Honorary award for services rendered to the United Kingdom and its people.

Lt. Col. Gibbons was Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment from July, 2000 to July, 2002 when he retired after more than 20 years of military service. In addition, he spent three years as ADC to the Governor.

Dr. Beresford Swan dedicated his medical career to improving clinical services at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, particularly in the area of cardiac and renal diagnosis and treatment.

In 1979, (Dr. Swan?s) efforts led to the establishment of the Bermuda?s first Dialysis Unit operated from KEMH. In 1984 the unit moved to its current location as a purpose-built facility designed to accommodate up to 65 patients.

In July 2001, Dr. Swan?s commitment to the dialysis facility was recognised when the dialysis unit was named in his honour, the Beresford Swan Dialysis Centre.? they said.

Mr. Black was described in a Government press release as an ?outstanding community activist who has spent his life combining his family responsibilities with his ambition to make Bermuda a model community?.

?Mr. Black, the owner of Black?s Blacksmith Shop, where he has trained his three sons and daughter at the shop. All now operate their own businesses at the same location.

?He has extended his example and training to other young people as a role model to help them develop as productive citizens in the community. His blacksmith shop has been a gathering place for working-class men to discuss the future direction and well-being of Bermuda,? the statement said.

In his youth, Mr. Black was a member and ultimately a leader of the 2nd Hamilton Boy Scout Troop. He was also a star cricket and soccer player. He played saxophone in the great bands of the 1960s and was with the North Village Marching Band.

For many years, Mr. Black has served on Government Boards and the Pembroke Parish Council and has been a trustee of Whitney Institute for 22 years,? the statement said.

The following persons were awarded the Queen?s Certificate and Badge of Honour:W. A. (Toppy) Cowen

Mr. Cowen was honoured for his contribution to the tourism and hospitality industry and his service to Flatts Village. For 20 years, from 1977 to 1997, he was managing director of Pink Beach Club, one of Bermuda?s premier resorts.Dean Furbert

Mr. Furbert, a former Chief Education Officer, was honoured for his contribution to the teaching profession. From 1958 to 1970, he was a teacher at the former St. George?s Secondary School, followed by 12 years as principal of Francis Patton Primary School and five years a principal of Dellwood Primary School.Bruce Gordon

Mr. Gordon, an Australian resident of Bermuda, was recognised for his charitable contributions to the community. He has donated life-saving heart equipment to many institutions on the island, including the hospitals, fire service, the airport and helping agencies.Barbara Hunter

?Mrs. Hunter is well known as a reading specialist and author of the book ?Beyond the Crossroads? which examines the recent history of racial developments in Bermuda. From 1965 to 1975, Mrs. Hunter was the first reading specialist at Prospect Primary School, moving to Gilbert Institute to serve in the same capacity from 1973-1983.Charles Jeffers

Mr. Jeffers, the former chairman of the National Liberal Party, was a founding member of the Bermuda Road Safety Council, Bermuda Track and Field Association and the Studio Foundation for the Arts. He has served on the Bermuda Arts Council, the Pembroke Parish Council, Pembroke Rotary Club, the Diabetes Association, and the Bermuda Militia Band and Bermuda Regiment Band.