Simon Gibson Receives Order of the British Empire

Simon Gibson received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at an investiture held at Buckingham Place on 4 November 1999. Simon was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to industry and to the community in South Wales in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. Also receiving awards at the investiture were Norma Major, wife of John Major, the former Prime Minister; Simon Callow, an actor; and Nigel Short, a chess grand master.

Simon is president and CEO of Telecommunications Software Company based in South Wales and Ontario, Canada. He is an advisor to several government bodies and is founder of the Welsh Electronics Forum. Simon has been the recipient of three national research and development awards and a national multimedia award. He recently co-authored a book on the development of the digital economy.

Currently serving as gospel doctrine teacher in the Forest of Dean Branch, Cheltenham Stake, Simon served a mission in Canada and New England. He and his wife, Sue Grobecker Gibson, have three sons, Sam, Nathan, and George.

When asked for his reaction to the award, he said, "It was a complete surprise and very humbling. People know of our family's Church membership and, where appropriate, we endeavour to put the gospel in the public domain as it is a focal point in our lives. In a small way, receipt of this honour is a further acceptance of the Church and its membership." - Sue Gibson, Forest of Dean Branch, Cheltenham Stake

Sisters Offer Care for Premature Babies

Relief Society sisters of the Downend Ward, Bristol Stake, put into action skills learned during homemaking lessons to knit bonnets, booties, cardigans, and blankets for the babies at the special care baby unit at Southmead Hospital, Bristol. They presented boxes of the knitted wear to the staff at the hospital and were given a tour of the baby unit.

Ward member Sarah Packer was so impressed with what she saw during the visit that she held a Blue Peter sale at her school and raised £100 towards the purchase of incubators for premature babies. - Nicki Packer, Downend Ward, Bristol Stake

Curtain Comes Down on Scout Gang Show

After the final curtain fell on the 26th Avon County's Scout Gang Show on 30 October 1999, two LDS members bid a farewell to other members of the cast and production team. Brian Day of the Bath Ward had performed in every show, bar one, since its inception in 1971. Four of his children have also participated in the shows. Brian has served as a leader in scouting for 31 years and is presently a district Scout leader. He serves as ward activity chairman and is a counsellor in the elders quorum presidency.

Harry Harrop of the Bristol 1st Ward was appointed musical director of the show in 1998 and was involved in rehearsals each Tuesday and Thursday from January to October 1999. There were 46 musical items, al with lyrics. Harry not only taught the cast to sing, but also arranged musical modulations to assist the flow of the production. His 13-year-old son was in the show for the third year. Harry has served in many callings including bishop and a counsellor in a stake presidency.

The Gang Show, based on an idea by the late Ralph Reader is a fast moving revue with song, dance and comedy involving 30 Cub Scouts, 30 Scouts and 60 adult Scouters. - Donald Norris, Bath Ward, Bristol Stake