Geoffrey Hughes, Dr Charles Mobbs and Anne Longford, the new deputy Lord Lieutenants for the Isle of Wight.
ONE of Britain’s best-loved actors has been approved by The Queen to a civic role on the Isle of Wight.
Geoffrey Hughes, whose characters in an acting career spanning 50 years include Coronation Street binman Eddie Yeats, Twiggy from the Royle Family and Onslow from Keeping Up Appearances, will join a GP Dr Charles Mobbs and Anne Longford, and a leading light in the Women’s Institute movement, as deputy Lord Lieutenants for the Isle of Wight.
The three have been chosen by Isle of Wight Lord Lieutenant Maj Gen Martin White, approved by The Queen and the appointments advertised in the London Gazette.
Their role will be to deputise for the Lord Lieutenant — the official link between the Island and Royalty — at official engagements.
Mr Hughes, 65, who lives near Newport, was a regular visitor to the Island before moving here with his wife, Susan, in 2003. Keen on boating, he has an interest in natural history and the Island’s bio-diversity and is patron of the Red Squirrel Trust.
He is also an active supporter of many local charities and organisations.
Dr Mobbs, 64, of Newport, a former Island High Sheriff and current deputy police surgeon, is partner in the Dower House Surgery in Newport.
He has also served as a member of the former Isle of Wight Community Health Council, as assistant deputy coroner and as special deputy coroner.
Dr Mobbs was High Sheriff between 2000 and 2001 and is president of the Isle of Wight branch of the British Red Cross Association. Married to Nicola, he enjoys sailing and growing trees,
Mrs Longford, 57, of Fishbourne, a well-known local businesswoman and volunteer, has owned and run a holiday cottage business since 2001.
She is currently serving her second term as chairman of the Isle of Wight Federation of WIs and has previously served on the board of trustees for the National Federation of WIs. She enjoys volunteer work, fundraising, gardening, singing and cookery.