Sunday 4 January 2009

New Year Honours

Looking through the list of people on the Queen's New Year Honours List, I was really pleased to see that the following people have been recognised:

Eleanor Simmonds - swimmer, 2 Golds at Beijing Paralympics - MBE for services to disabled sport
Aged 14, the only minor ever to receive the award




















Carol Hoy - Senior nurse - MBE for services to healthcare
Having been a medical representative in a previous life I know what a great job nurses do, despite having to spin several plates at once. And as mother to a very successful track cyclist she would've been very busy giving him loads of support and encouragement during his development.










Sara Payne - Child Protection Campaigner - MBE for services to child safety

It must be the hardest thing in the world to pick things up after the tragedy of losing a child in such appalling circumstances, but this lady found the energy and motivation to campaign to make a difference to the safety of our children.

















Robert Fletcher - Bus Driver in Liverpool for 45 years - MBE for services to public transport
Not sure what life is like being a bus driver up there, but Liverpool, being a big city will have similar types of social problems to what we get down here in London. So if that's anything to go by the man definitely deserves commending after all these years.


Eddie Wingrave - Cycling Official - MBE for services to cycling

I was so pleased to read about Eddie in the paper. He's a real stalwart in local cycling, reputed to have been one of the strictest commissaires around. He was also a professional roller racer in the 1950s. At the grand old age of 90 he's still active on the London cycling scene, mentoring young riders and helping out at the races -notably at my local venues of Herne Hill Velodrome and Crystal Palace crit circuit. It's great to see that people involved in grass roots cycling get recognised for their tireless work to promote cycle sport to the future generations.















Ellen Hunter - cycling pilot guide - OBE for services to disabled sport

So much trust is conferred when racing round the velodrome with a blind track racer. Much respect for contributing to the success of Aileen McGlynn (who is also honoured with an OBE).












Courtney Pine - jazz musician - CBE for services to music
I love jazz, especially Miles Davis' eclectic tunes. But in fact, the musician that first got me listening to jazz at all was Courtney Pine. When I was a student in the late 80's I spent alot of time listening to his Destiny's Song and the Image of Pursuance album. Cool stuff.



















Of course, I was also thrilled to see so many of our Olympian cyclists getting honoured too.

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