From Ringo Starr to an ex Lord Mayor of York – the New Year Honours 2017
Sports stars, musicians, politicians and writers are among those to receive gongs in the New Year Honours.
And in York, a former Lord Mayor, academics, police officers and charity workers have been recognised by the Queen.
Among the famous names on the list this year…
- Ringo Starr gets a knighthood for services to music
- Barry Gibb gets a knighthood for services to music and charity
- Darcey Bussell becomes a dame for services to dance
- Michael Morpurgo gets a knighthood for services to literature and charity
- Jilly Cooper gets a CBE for services to literature and charity
- Marc Almond gets an OBE for services to arts and culture
- Rick Stein gets a CBE for services to the economy
- Hugh Laurie gets a CBE for services to drama
Ann’s honour
Lib Dem councillor Ann Reid has received an MBE in recognition for her service to local government and the city of York.
Ann has served the people of York for more than 30 years, being first elected to represent the Foxwood ward in 1986 and then for Dringhouses and Woodthorpe.
She became York’s fifth woman Lord Mayor in 1993. Cllr Ann Reid MBE said:
I am surprised and delighted to have been proposed for this honour.
It has been a privilege to represent the residents of Dringhouses and Woodthorpe for so many years.
I am grateful to my family and fellow councillors who have given me great support over the years and I am so lucky to have been able to give something back to this wonderful city.
Mental health work honoured
[arve url=”https://youtu.be/Xg4_rleVveY” title=”Converge: Who We Are” /]
Dr Nick Rowe of York St John University has been appointed MBE for services to mental health service users.
Dr Rowe, who has worked at the university for 25 years, was recognised for his tireless volunteering to establish the pioneering Converge project at York St John University.
It offers high quality educational opportunities, free at the point of access, to people who have used mental health services in the York region.
“So many others are equally deserving of recognition but I am thrilled and honoured to receive this award,” Dr Rowe said.
Damehood for Professor
University of York academic Professor Pratibha Gai has been appointed a Dame for services to chemical sciences and technology.
Professor Gai studies dynamic atomic processes in reacting solids during chemical reactions. “I am truly humbled to receive this national honour and delighted that the research has received this wonderful recognition,” she said.
“This honour belongs to all the outstanding co-researchers and staff I have collaborated with.”
Police medals
Two North Yorkshire Police officers receive the Queen’s Police Medal in this year’s honours.
North Yorkshire Police’s lead for mental health and suicide prevention, Inspector Bill Scott has been honoured for his work in transforming how North Yorkshire Police responds to people with mental health problems across York and North Yorkshire.
PC Sara Widdrington, who is a Youth Officer based in Scarborough, has been honoured for her work in protecting young people.
“As the son and grandson of police officers, the privilege of wearing the North Yorkshire Police uniform is immense,” said Insp Scott.
“I only wish my parents were still here to share this news, as I know they’d have been proud of their little lad!”
Other York honours
OBE
Martin Kelly (head of resources, children and young people’s services, North Yorkshire County Council): For services to Children and Young People in North Yorkshire.
MBE
Darrell Buttery (a member of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, the York Georgian Society and past president of the York Civic Trust): For services to Heritage in York.
British Empire Medal
Philippa Webster (director, Interpersonnel Ltd and Trustee, NSPCC): For services to Children and Young People