Duchy tenants celebrate MBE

Duchy of Lancaster tenants Geoff and June Wothers enjoyed a trip to Buckingham Palace to see their scientist son awarded an MBE.

Dr Peter Wothers, 45, was presented with the MBE for services to chemistry by Princess Anne, at an investiture in October.

The family has been a Duchy tenant for 40 years, with Dr Wothers growing up on Rectory Farm in Rushden alongside his older brother and younger sister.

June said: “We had a marvellous day at Buckingham Palace and it was a very proud moment for the whole family when Peter was presented with his MBE.

“There isn’t a particular background of science in the family history, but Peter loved chemistry from a young boy and even had his own small laboratory in the house.”

Dr Peter Wothers is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge and a Fellow and Director of Studies in Chemistry at St Catharine’s College. He is keenly involved in promoting chemistry to young students and members of the public, and has fronted the lectures at the department for the Cambridge Science Festival for more than 15 years. In 2011, Dr Wothers was awarded the President’s Award by the Royal Society of Chemistry for his out-reach activities.

Rectory Farm is part of the Duchy of Lancaster’s estate in Northamptonshire, which is centred on Higham Ferrers and consists mainly of arable farms. Higham Ferrers is part of the Crewe and South Survey and was gifted by Henry III to his son Edmund in 1266.