Steve Hall – Greater Manchester Lieutenancy

Commander (SCC) Janet Evans MBE DL RNR

The Lord-Lieutenant was deeply saddened to hear that Janet had sadly passed away whilst she was being treated at hospital on Thursday 3rd November. Janet was a valued and active part of the Lieutenancy and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her, especially her colleagues and friends from the Lieutenancy Tameside District Committee.

Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Janet was educated at Broadoak Primary, then Heartshead Secondary School before starting work for the Co-operative Insurance Society in 1975. She undertook a variety of roles culminating in that of Team Manager and Business Analyst before retiring in 2009 to devote more time to the Sea Cadets.

Janet pictured at the opening of the Macmillan Centre at Tameside Hospital with the Mayor of Tameside — Janet representing the Lord-Lieutenant at the opening of Tameside Macmillan Centre in 2021

Janet joined the Sea Cadets, at Tameside, in 1975 rising to Third Officer where, in 1980, she was appointed in command of the Girls Nautical Training Contingent of the Sea Cadets. Moving on to the North East Lancashire District in in 1987, she was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1994 on her appointment as District Officer. In 2006 she became the Senior Staff Officer for the North West of England and was promoted to Commander in 2009.

In addition to her routine responsibilities with the Sea Cadets, Janet assisted with the organization of and led the Sea Cadet arena displays at the Manchester Military Tattoo. She later went on to support the Commonwealth Games in Manchester where she took an active part in coordinating the various Sea Cadet elements involved in the welcoming and opening ceremonies and in particular the flag raising.

Janet presents a Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund Cheque to the Mayor of Tameside for her charities. — Janet presenting a Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund cheque, on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant, to the Mayor of Tameside for her charities in 2021

Janet was made a Deputy Lieutenant in 2012 and received an MBE in 2013. She was a very active Officer of the Lieutenancy, representing the Lord-Lieutenant, across Tameside. She served a term as the District Committee Chair helping the Lord-Lieutenant in her duties by promoting Honours and Queen’s Awards across the Borough amongst many other duties. Janet described herself as “not very photogenic” but always looked fabulously smart in her uniform, which she was always very proud to wear.

The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Lieutenancy are with her husband, Mark, and all her family at this extremely sad time.

Retiring Deputy Lieutenants

The Lord-Lieutenant would like to thank the following Deputy Lieutenants who have recently retired from their commission. All have given exceptional service to the Lieutenancy and communities across Greater Manchester. Thank you for your service.

Colonel Martin Newman MBE DL FCIPR

Born in 1947, Martin Newman was educated at North Manchester Grammar School and Ashton School of Art. He has spent his career in marketing and public relations, is a Fellow and former regional chairman of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and former associate lecturer in PR at Manchester Metropolitan University. He is presently a freelance PR Consultant specialising in the defence industry and charity and not-for-profit sectors.

Martin started his parallel military career as an officer with Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force, later transferring to the 5th Bn The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers posted to the Army’s media operations organisation. He then returned to the ACF where he founded and commanded the national ACF Public Relations Unit, later moving to the Youth and Cadet Policy Unit at the Directorate of Reserve Forces and Cadets at the Ministry of Defence as a special advisor. He was assigned to help the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and the Government of Gibraltar form a cadet organisation and is now Colonel Cadets of the Gibraltar Cadet Force and has been establishing an Alliance between the cadets in Gibraltar and Greater Manchester.

Elected to the Jewish Committee for HM Forces he became vice chairman in 2007, chairman a year later and served until 2018, also acting as a trustee of its associated charity. During this time, he was instrumental in the re-introduction of military Jewish Chaplains in uniform and the provision of kosher operational rations for Jewish personnel.

He was elected National Chairman of the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen & Women in 2017 and has led the process of rebranding and modernisation of the charity.

He is a member of the Trustees and Management Board of the Fusiliers Museum Collection, Lancashire.

A member of the North West Reserve Forces and Cadets Association he holds the Cadet Forces Medal with four Clasps. He was made an MBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his voluntary work for armed forces personnel.

Michael Greenwood Esq. CBE DL

Michael graduated from Leeds University in Maths and Philosophy in 1968. He worked in the food industry in quality control before going to Bradford University Management Centre to study for a Masters Degree. There he became interested in local government and joined a small research unit which was looking at the reorganisation of local government which was due to happen in 1974.

In that year he joined Leeds City Council where he held a number of increasingly senior management positions, including working as assistant to the Chief Executive. In 1984 he became Chief Executive and County Treasurer of Powys County Council in Wales and took up the post of Chief Executive of Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council in 1990. Tameside Council achieved excellent status in the Comprehensive Performance Assessment. He left Tameside in 2003 to take up the post of Director of Local Government Practice (North West) for (then) ODPM. This was concerned with improvement and performance across local government in the Region. Since leaving that post in late 2006, Michael has been Chairman of Stockport PCT.

He is a Chartered Public Finance Accountant. He has been a Director of Manchester Training and Enterprise Council, Manchester Enterprises and the Hallé Concerts Society. He was also a Governor of Tameside College of Further Education and a non-executive director of Tameside & Glossop Acute NHS Trust.

Michael was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in 2007.

Philip J Horton Esq. DL

Phil was born in 1947 and was educated at Xaverian College, Manchester before studying at the then Manchester Polytechnic Law School. He was articled with Wilding Earley and Pegge and qualified as a Solicitor in 1972; he is currently a Partner in Hague Lambert Solicitors.

Phil has a number of interests but is passionate about the Scouting Movement. He became a Scout in 1959 and has held numerous positions in the county such as District Commissioner, County Commissioner and is currently County chairman of Greater Manchester East Scout County, a position he has held since 2002.

Phil is Chairman of the Board of Governors of two Primary Schools in Stockport and Manchester and is a Member of Education The Appeals Panel for Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council dealing with admissions and exclusions from schools.

Phil has been married to Maureen since 1972 and he was made a Deputy Lieutenant in 2004.

Ms Susan K. Hodgkiss CBE DL

Sue was born in Bolton in 1950 and is currently the Managing Director of the family owned Steelwork Fabricator, William Hare Group Limited. Her company has an annual turnover of £180M, with 1300 employees that include the India Office and UAE fabrication facility.

William Hare Limited is a significant supporter of the Arts, Healthcare, Homeless, Education, military and ex-service people’s charities and the disabled.

Sue has made a significant contribution to the life of the community over the years. She is currently President of Emmaus, Bolton and Patron of the Association of Emmaus North West; she has been a member since 1999 having served on the committee for three years. Sue is Patron of the Octagon Theatre in Bolton and served as the Appeals Director of the rescue package that ensured theatre remained operative. For three years she served on the Board of the Royal Exchange and for the past two years as a member of the Board of Chetham’s School of Music. Sue has also served as a member of the Standards & Remuneration Committee for Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council and has been a Director Bolton Training Group, a Governor and the Director of the Bursary Appeals at Bolton School.

Sue was made a Deputy Lieutenant in 1999, High Sheriff of Greater Manchester in the year 2003 – 2004 and was honoured with a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2009.

Amongst her interests Sue lists the Theatre, sailing, game and clay pigeon shooting, skiing, music, tennis and salmon fishing. From 1981 – 83 she represented Great Britain in Clay Pigeon Shooting in the European Championships in Moscow, and the Grand Prix in Belgium, France, Spain.

Platinum Jubilee Tree of Trees Gifting Ceremony

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a UK-wide tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. The QGC initiative has been extended to the end of the planting season in March 2023, to give people an opportunity to plant trees to honour Her Majesty.

Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the QGC “Tree of Trees” sculpture sought to put the importance of trees at the heart of this historic milestone to celebrate Her Majesty, who planted over 1,500 trees all over the world throughout her 70-year reign.

Children preparing a tree to go onto the Tree of Trees sculpture — Children preparing a tree to go onto the Tree of Trees Sculpture

During the summer, the trees were cared for by Barcham’s Nursery ahead of distribution at the start of the planting season this month.

The trees have been gifted evenly across the UK in proportion to the population, with each county receiving at least one tree. Greater Manchester received 12 trees. Deputy Lieutenants from each Borough suggested worthy recipients from across the County and The Lord-Lieutenant selected 12 groups to receive the special trees. Joined by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff, the Deputy Lieutenants and the Mayor’s of each Borough, the Lord-Lieutenant gifted them to the groups at a ceremony at the University of Bolton Stadium, the home of Bolton Wanderers FC.

The Lord-Lieutenant opens the ceremony for the gifting of the Tree of Trees — The Lord-Lieutenant opens the Tree of Trees Gifting Ceremony

The Lord-Lieutenant is very much looking forward to attending the tree planting ceremonies at each of the 12 venues.

The fabulous groups were as follows:

Bolton

Fortalice
Fortalice has been providing frontline services since 1977 for those affected by domestic abuse and violence. A well-respected charity, they are proud recipients of QAVS. They have grown from a 2 room Refuge to the current purpose built 22-unit building housing 22 women and their children. They also have an Outreach Support Centre providing advice, counselling, support and training.

Bury

Age UK Bury
This charity provides a lifeline within the communities of Bury. It provides support to those that are lonely, those suffering with age related illness or just unable to apply for grants or services for any reason. During this last year, they supported hundreds of individuals each week, in person or on the phone, helping them sort out problems, or providing much needed activities. Their Information and Advice Service, in the last 12 months alone, has responded to 1,800 calls for help. They have also supported older people to claim over £1.6 million pounds in benefits

The Heathlands Village
The Manchester Jewish Federation, known as Heathlands, is a leading Jewish social care charity. Situated in Bury, Greater Manchester, it serves the local community in many ways. Specialist services include residential and nursing care, supported independent living, hospital discharge, end of life care, a trailblazing dementia unit, adult and family social work. They also offer community care, outreach and support for all ages.

Manchester

Friends of Sackville Gardens
Sackville Gardens is a small park in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village The Friends Group work with the Council and local communities to keep the Gardens as a green space that all can use and value. The Gardens are laid out with walks, lawns and flower beds for public use. The gardens feature memorials and space to reflect. Memorials include The Beacon of Hope, the UK’s only permanent memorial for people who lost their lives to HIV or AIDS.

Oldham

MAHDLO Youth Zone
Mahdlo provide opportunities for over 3000 young people in a very deprived area, 7 days a week. Supporting the environment is one of the key elements they engage the youngsters in. They have outside garden areas where they grow their own veg. Street parties were held to recognise the Queens Platinum Jubilee and to have a tree planted in the area would be a great boost for this deprived area of Oldham.

Rochdale

Rochdale in Bloom
Rochdale in Bloom is a community based, volunteer led organisation dedicated to brightening up Rochdale for residents and visitors alike.
Since 2010 they have devoted their efforts to building community links, tackling gaps in social infrastructure and creating a green environment for Rochdale residents to take pride and get involved in.

Salford

Buile Hill Mansion Association
Buile Hill Mansion Association is a charity which has put the heart back into Buile Hill Park. The park had no major council funding, and the park and its Mansion had fallen into disrepair. It is located in one of Salford’s most challenging areas. The BHMA have worked hard to restore the community use of the Park which had been abandoned to drug users and vandals. They have built a sculpture trail; organised community events and they have planted 130 trees for the QGC. When they advertised for people to help plant the trees, 150 volunteers from the community turned up.

Stockport

The CMA Welfare Trust
CMA was established in 2004 and were worthy recipients of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2019. Their focus is to serve the Muslim and non-Muslim community in the context of cohesion, interfaith and mutual collaboration to meet the wider needs of a changing population in terms of health, education, mental well-being and social care. The internal and external impact of being awarded a tree will be exceptional and warmly received.

Tameside

Hattersley Community Big Garden Project
In three years, this dedicated group of volunteers have taken what was a rundown and neglected site and transformed it into a little oasis at the heart of their local community. Hattersley is one of the 20% most deprived and unhealthiest districts in England and where health is lower than the English average. The aim of this group of volunteers is therefore, to better the lives of their community through gardening and fresh air, whilst creating a self-sustainable area for all to enjoy.

Trafford

Friends of Worthington Park
The Friends of Worthington Park are a voluntary group established to work with Trafford Council and other partners to safeguard and improve the facilities of this local park. Once again, this year they have been awarded the Green Flag status. This 16-acre park is very much used and loved by members of the public. Three sets of main gates were installed to mark the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.

G-Force
The Broomwood Estate in Greater Manchester ranks in the top tier of multiple deprivation. For 23 years local people have worked together to alleviate hardship, transforming the lives of individuals and families in their community. Led by local couple Paul and Tina Huxley, they are ‘GForce’, a community charity with hundreds of local volunteers. They find education and employment for the socially exclude

Wigan

The Bridgers
This exceptional group of volunteers undertake environmental, pastoral, social and educational initiatives within Howe Bridge, an area of multiple deprivation.
This inclusive group unites all people and groups within the village including residents (all generations), church, school, sports clubs, environmental group, and social clubs for the common good of their community. Formed in 1998 the group took over a derelict piece of land, encouraged volunteers from all walks of life, and turned it into a beautiful and much-loved community garden named Colliers Corner in honour of the village’s proud mining heritage.

Visit to Willow Wood Hospice

The Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Diane Hawkins, with The Mayor and Mayoress of Tameside, and the Chief Executive, Trustees and Patrons of Willow Wood Hospice — The Lord-Lieutenant, with The Mayor and Mayoress of Tameside, and the Chief Executive, Trustees and Patrons of Willow Wood Hospice

To coincide with National Hospice Care Week, the Lord-Lieutenant visited Willow Wood Hospice in Tameside to tour, meet and thank the staff and volunteers for their wonderful work and to place an engraved stone, in memory of Queen Elizabeth ll, in their Memory Pool and Fountain. She was joined on the visit by The Mayor and Mayoress of Tameside and the Chief Executive, Trustees and Patrons of the Trust.

Willow Wood Hospice is an adult Hospice providing specialist palliative care for patients with life limiting illnesses, both cancer and non-cancer diagnosis. They provide care, free of charge, and with patients, families and their carers are at the centre of everything they do. 8 out of 10 patients are cared for by money raised by donations given to them. Over the years, they have had many requests from families who would like to place a tribute to their loved ones in their gardens. However, they didn’t have the space for benches or for trees to be planted in their honour and so created the Memory Pool and Fountain where Memory Stones can be placed.

The Lord-Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant placing a memory stone engraved with The Queen's name into the memory pool at Willow Wood Hospice — The Lord-Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant placing a memory stone engraved with The Queen’s name into the memory pool at Willow Wood Hospice

The Chair of Trustees gave a speech in which he said the Hospice was honoured and delighted to host the Lord-Lieutenant and gave an insight into what the Hospice does and the challenges it faces. He also paid tribute to the late Queen for her lifetime of public service. The Lord-Lieutenant then responded, thanking them and acknowledging their Queen’s Award for Voluntary service in 2016. They have over 600 volunteers working in a huge variety of functions and saving them over a £1M in wages. She said, “I am very impressed by the dedication and commitment shown by the staff and how they work symbiotically with all the volunteers”.

Mrs Sharman Birtles, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant holding a note about what Hospice Care Means to her. It reads Love. — Mrs Sharman Birtles, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant shows what Hospice Care means to her.

Mark Llewellin, The Vice Chair of Trustees, was also part of the team that welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant. Mark has been involved with Willow Wood for over 20 years; his late partner, the actor Roy Barraclough MBE was the first Patron. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Sharman Birtles, who is a current Patron was also present at the event.

The Death of Queen Elizabeth II

21st April 1926 – 8th September 2022
Reigned as Monarch from 1952 until 2022

The Lord-Lieutenant was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of The Queen. It was a day of great sadness for Greater Manchester, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. It was akin to the passing of the Head of a worldwide family of over 2½ billion people. It was an extraordinarily long reign; the longest of any British Sovereign and an outstanding example of service both in wartime and peacetime.

Since Greater Manchester was formed in 1974, Queen Elizabeth visited 28 times, visiting 74 different venues. She visited 9 times on her own and 19 times with her loving husband, The Duke of Edinburgh. Her first visit was in June 1977 and her last visit was in July 2021.

Queen Elizabeth speaking to members of the community from across Greater Manchester. — The Queen speaking to members of the community from across Greater Manchester at Manchester Cathedral

The most recent visit in July 2021 was to Coronation Street for their 60th Anniversary and Manchester Cathedral to mark the 600th Anniversary Celebration of the Collegiate Church. At the Cathedral she met groups of people from across the North West who were influential or had done extraordinary work within their local communities. Her Majesty wished to meet those who were very much hands on.

In 1992 she officially opened the Metrolink taking a ride on a tram to passer-by’s surprise. She met volunteers and staff during the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and attended the Squash and Hockey events. Along with the Duke of Edinburgh she came to Greater Manchester in March 2012 for her Diamond Jubilee, opening the Central University Hospital, visiting Children’s BBC (whilst the Duke visited Salford University) had lunch at Manchester town hall and then attended the Urban Garden party at Manchester Central (Greater Manchester’s spin on a royal garden party). Tens of thousands of people saw her, either at the hospital, lining the streets of Manchester and Salford, outside the town hall or in Manchester Central.

Following the Manchester Bomb in 2017 she came, and at least temporarily lifted everyone’s spirits, by visiting first responders, staff at the MRI and those injured and being treated.

The Queen was also represented at visits to over 1100 organisations or venues across Greater Manchester by other members of the Royal Family.

The Lord-Lieutenant sent her Condolences to all the members of the Royal Family, looks back with gratitude and looks forward to offering her support and loyalty to The King.

Veterans’ Afternoon Tea in Wigan

Forces’ entertainer Annie Riley singing the Queen's favourite songs to North West Veterans — Forces’ entertainer Annie Riley belting out a song

The Lord-Lieutenant was represented by Melanie Bryan OBE DL at a fabulous, nostalgic event at Whelley Ex-serviceman’s Club in Wigan on Wednesday 31st August held by The Not Forgotten Charity. Along with a traditional and delicious afternoon tea the veterans were treated to a sing along. For the Platinum Jubilee Year the charity had approached Buckingham Palace for a list of the Queen’s favourite songs, and these were belted out by forces’ entertainer Annie Riley, supported by an entertainment team.

Since 1920 The Not Forgotten charity has supported veterans with disabilities or illness, and wounded service personnel through a tailored and varied programme of events. They support over 10,000 individuals each year to improve their physical and mental health, address isolation and loneliness and promote a sense of community and balance. This enables them and their families to live a happier and more confident life. Their social activities, challenges, peer support and practical support is varied and typically includes an annual Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, an annual Christmas Party at St James’ Palace; adaptive skiing, trekking and alpine canoeing; respite holidays; concerts in care homes; outings to sporting events such as Ascot, Twickenham and Wimbledon; holiday grants; providing televisions and licences to those confined to their homes; and providing tablets and laptops to those who are digitally isolated. Their Patron is The Princess Royal.

Veterans pictured with Deputy Lieutenant, Melanie Bryan OBE DL, The Mayor of Wigan and her Consort and Wigan Council's lead member for Armed Forces — Deputy Lieutenant, Melanie Bryan OBE DL, with NW Veterans and The Mayor of Wigan, her Consort and Wigan Council’s lead member for Armed Forces.

This was one of their regular afternoon teas around the country. It was attended by veterans from across the North West, primarily Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside. Alongside Melanie, the Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Marie Morgan; her Consort, Councillor Clive Morgan; and Councillor Yvonne Klieve who is the Wigan Council lead member for Armed Forces attended and supported the event.

Award of Honorary MBE to former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton

Dr Kondal Reddy Kandadi, former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, was presented with an honorary MBE at a Graduation ceremony on Friday 15 July.

Professor George Holmes DL, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton representing the Lord-Lieutenant presents Dr Kandadi, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, with his honorary MBE — Professor Holmes presents Dr Kondal Reddy Kandadi with his Honorary MBE

Professor George E Holmes DL, Vice Chancellor of the University, in his capacity as a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and acting on behalf of the Lord-lieutenant, awarded the special honour, in a first for a British university.

Dr Kandadi has remained a citizen of India throughout his time in Bolton and last June decided to return to lead the development of a major new education project in his home town.

He has continued his connections with the institution by offering Bolton higher education and research programmes as part of his exciting new project.

Dr Kandadi, who studied as a post-graduate student at the University of Bolton, gaining his PhD Degree, rose through the ranks over the last 15 years to become Deputy Vice Chancellor.

Dr Kondal Reddy Kandadi holding his Honorary MBE — Dr Kandadi with his Honorary MBE

After he was presented with the MBE, he said: “I have had the privilege of working with so many incredible people over the last 20 years. I would like to pay tribute to every one of them for their support and trust.”

Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, presented the award at the Albert Halls in Bolton Town Hall.

He said: “Kondal progressed through a number of ranks to being the Deputy Vice Chancellor and it is in that capacity that he has been presented for this award for his services to education, his marvellous contribution to this University but also to health and his work developing the Bolton College of Medical Sciences.”

As he presented Kondal with the award, Professor Holmes added: “It is in recognition of his valuable service that Her Majesty the Queen has appointed you to be an Honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

“It is with great pleasure that I, on behalf of Her Majesty, present you with the badge of the Order and congratulate you most sincerely.”

Sir Warren Smith Retires as Lord-Lieutenant

On the 4th July Sir Warren Smith KCVO KStJ JP retired after serving for 15 years as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

Sir Warren was appointed as Justice of the Peace in 1983, was made a Deputy Lieutenant in 1995 and was selected as High Sheriff for Greater Manchester in the shrieval year 1997/98 before becoming the Lord-Lieutenant on the 24th June 2007, succeeding Col Sir John Timmins. Social exclusion had always been an interest for him, and he had chaired or had been a trustee of national, regional, and local organisations dealing with drug, alcohol and mental health problems, community relations, poverty and justice. He maintained an interest in these areas throughout his time as Lord-Lieutenant, particularly community relations and so it is no surprise that he developed the Lieutenancy to be as diverse and as inclusive as possible. Through active recruitment the Lieutenancy now reflects the cultural mix of Greater Manchester and has a gender balance.

Sir Warren with Sir John and James Timpson during a visit to present their Queens award for Enterprise — Sir Warren with Sir John and James Timpson during a visit to present their Queens Award for Enterprise in 2019

Sir Warren became the patron or president of over 40 organisations whilst Lord-Lieutenant, and he will continue to work with several of them during retirement. His active interest in the work of these organisations along with his ideas to increase the visibility of the Lieutenancy and to contribute to the civic life of Greater Manchester kept him extremely active. For the years 2008-2021 he completed over 5200 engagements or meetings which is an average of 377 per year.

In addition to his engagements, he steered the Lieutenancy to promote the Queens Award for Voluntary Service which led to Greater Manchester having the most nominations and awards in the UK for last 5 years. Under his leadership the Lieutenancy has delivered several pilot programmes for the Honours and Appointments Office in Cabinet Office to increase the quantity and quality of Honours nominations especially for underrepresented groups. This culminating in the best Honour’s Lists in the past few years since Greater Manchester was created in 1974. The most recent lists have also had a much higher representation of ethnic minority groups than the national picture and Greater Manchester average. In the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020, 32% of recipients in Greater Manchester were from an ethnic minority background.

Sir Warren Smith greets The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh at Manchester Airport — Sir Warren greets HM The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh at Manchester Airport

During his tenure Sir Warren hosted 116 Royal visits to 340 venues including 6 visits of Her Majesty The Queen, either on her own, or with The Duke of Edinburgh. The first Royal Visit he hosted was a two day patronage visit by the Earl of Wessex in July 2007 and his last was the Princess Royal in June 2022 to the British Cardiovascular Society Centenary Conference.

Following the Manchester Atrocity in 2017 he supported Manchester City Council throughout the recovery. He helped organise and hosted visits by The Queen, The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge within the first few weeks of the aftermath. Subsequently he helped organise The visit of the Duke of Cambridge to the first anniversary and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the official opening of the Glade of Light Memorial this year. He is a member of the Memorial Trust and will remain so after retirement.

The Princess Royal knighting Sir Warren Smith at Windsor Castle — The Princess Royal knighting Sir Warren at Windsor Castle

In the NY Honours list 2020 he was Knighted, becoming a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. The Princess Royal conducted the investiture at Windsor Castle.

Sir Warren loves his garden, which doubled as his office and meeting place during fine days where visitors were also entertained by the everlasting energy of his Norfolk Terriers. Currently he has two – Esse and Bobby, Esse is very loving, and Bobby is a little mischievous to say the least. His dogs were even spotted by The Queen on a visit, when she arrived in a helicopter on the fields to the rear of his house. He enjoys cooking and entertaining friends at home and in the garden and Summerhouse – something he wants to do more of in retirement. He makes pots of lemon curd and bottles of Sloe Gin and Damson Whiskey which he regularly gifts to people.

Sir Warren Smith hands the ceremonial sword over to Mrs Diane Hawkins — Sir Warren hands the Ceremonial Sword to Mrs Hawkins

On the 3rd of July he handed over the ceremonial sword to the new Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Diane Hawkins, in the presence of the Lieutenancy, at afternoon tea at The Monastery Manchester. It was an emotional and enjoyable event and was especially poignant as it was the first full gathering of the Lieutenancy since the start of the pandemic.

Thank you Sir Warren for you generosity, knowledge and leadership of Greater Manchester Lieutenancy and your contribution to the Lieutenancy regionally and nationally.

Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Winners 2022

Twenty one Greater Manchester voluntary groups have been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Commonly known as the MBE for volunteer groups, it is the highest award a group can receive in the UK.

They are part of a group of 244 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive this prestigious award this year across the UK. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving. Greater Manchester has received the most awards of any County in the UK for the 5th year running, which shows how committed and full of innovative ideas our volunteers are, making life better for those around them.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. The Greater Manchester award winners are a wonderfully diverse group and will receive their award later in the Summer from The Lord-Lieutenant and 2 members of each group will attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2023.

The Lord-Lieutenant said, “This award recognises the contribution an organisation makes within its community. It is a rare honour. It is not won easily, and it recognises real achievement, effort, and a major contribution to the community. The last 2 years have highlighted just how valuable volunteering is to the country, with groups innovatively continuing their valuable work in the community, despite the restrictions and threat of the virus and I hope many more will be nominated in the future”.

Any group of three or more people that has participated in voluntary work for more than three years can be nominated for the award. Full details on how to nominate are available at https://qavs.dcms.gov.uk Nominations for the 2023 awards close on 15th September 2022.

A list of Greater Manchester winners is here:

Bolton North East Wildlife Trail
Working to conserve and protect a local wildlife corridor and promoting a love of this area among local people.

Corrie Gardeners Community Group
Residents of a housing estate working together to make things better. Started 25 years ago as a gardening club, but now provides a food bank, drop-in cafe, organises social activities and community clean-ups.

Bolton Newstalk
Recording a free, weekly digest of local news in the Bolton area for local people who are visually impaired or disabled.

Lancashire Mining Museum
Transformed a closed colliery into a popular museum that explains and celebrates Lancashire’s mining heritage.

Rock It Bolton CIC
Enabling young people 11-18 to create, record and perform music in a supportive environment. Operates in an area of high deprivation.

Talking about my Generation
Trains up community reporters (aged 60+) to produce articles, podcasts and videos on topics they are passionate about, publishing these online and through national/regional media.

Bolton Carers Support
Empowering, engaging & empathising with Bolton’s unpaid carers over the age of 18 via a 24/7 helpline, short breaks, workshops, a newsletter and a befriending scheme.

MS Therapy Centre (NW)
Providing different forms of therapy such as oxygen, electromagnetic, physio and counselling to help pain management for sufferers with Multiple Sclerosis.

Think Ahead Stroke
Developing long-term programmes of support advice, information and training to stroke survivors, carers and their families.

Bolton Free Cakes for Kids
Creating, decorating and delivering cakes to young people facing adversity who would otherwise not have a birthday cake.

Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force
Inspiring young people and building resilience by teaching discipline, respect and essential skills through the cadets framework.

Soup Kitchen Rochdale
Providing free homemade meals, signposting to services across the community and distributing food parcels to vulnerable adults and families.

Azamrah Youth Club
Providing holiday activities for disadvantaged young people in the Orthodox Jewish community.

Bury2gether
Supporting children and young adults with special educational needs by creating a supportive network in Bury.

Connect Youth and Community Centre
Promoting well-being and reducing loneliness and isolation within inner city Salford for all ages. Provide events, a community garden and cafe, and telephone outreach.

Visit From The Stork CIC
Providing new mothers with practical and mental health support which they might not otherwise be able to access or afford.

Dimobi Children Disability Trust
A special needs, learning disability and autism provider tackling negative stereotypes of learning disability amongst the BAME communities of Newton Heath.

The Pelican Centre Ltd
Revitalising a local swimming baths, creating an accessible sports venue and encouraging people from different backgrounds, ethnic groups and demographics to get involved.

Rammy Men
A group supporting mental health through creating spaces, running activities and an accessible network. Currently writing a book to help reach a wider demographic.

The Attic Project (Bury)
Helping people at risk through debt and welfare advice, a weekly work club, digital skill course, social meets and healthy living classes.

The Shed (Tameside)
Supporting well-being in older residents throughout Tameside, through a range of activities that cover mental, physical and health issues.

Platinum Jubilee Honours List 2022

The Lord-Lieutenant would like to congratulate all the Greater Manchester recipients of Honours in the Birthday Honours List. Honours are a fantastic way of thanking ordinary people doing extraordinary things and this would not be possible without the people taking the time to nominate them whom he would also like to particularly thank. Should you know of someone who deserves to be nominated then please go to our honours website where you can find out how to do it.

The people who live in Greater Manchester and have received an Honour in the New Year List are as follows:

Knights Batchelor

The title of Knight Bachelor is a rank granted to a man who has been knighted by the monarch but not inducted as a member of one of the organised orders of chivalry; it is a part of the British honours system. Knights Bachelor are the most ancient sort of British knight. It is given to a person who has demonstrated a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity (usually, but not exclusively, at national level), or in a capacity which will be recognised by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally and demonstrates sustained commitment. The following people have been awarded:

Knighthood

Mr Julian Matthew Frederick HARTLEY (Stockport)
Chief Executive, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. For services to Healthcare.

Order of the British Empire

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established on 4 June 1917 by King George V.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

An OBE is given to someone who has demonstrated a distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally. The following people have been awarded and OBE:

Mr Richard Harrison BEVAN (Trafford)
Chief Executive, League Managers Association. For services to Association Football
Ms Lora Marie FACHIE MBE (Trafford)
For services to Cycling
Mr Neil Michael FACHIE MBE (Trafford)
For services to Cycling
Miss Corrine Claire HALL MBE (Stockport)
For services to Cycling
Mr David John MOUTREY (Manchester)
Director and Chief Executive, HOME Manchester. For services to the Arts, particularly during Covid-19
Professor Samia NEFTI-MEZIANI (Trafford)
Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and Head, Centre for Autonomous Systems and Advanced Robotics. For services to Robotics
Mr Sean O’LOUGHLIN (Wigan)
For services to Rugby League Football
Dr Rupert Edward David WHITAKER (Manchester)
Co-founder, Terrence Higgins Trust. For services to Charity and to Public Health

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

An MBE is given to a person for achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others. The following people have been awarded the MBE:

Dr Rizwan Yahya AHMED (Bolton)
Consultant Respiratory Physician, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust. For services to Public Health during Covid-19
Mrs Catherine Myra CONNOLLY (Rochdale)
Headteacher, Brownhill Learning Community. For services to the Education of Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Children and Young People
Mrs Rebecca GOODRICH (Rebecca Friel) (Trafford)
Chief Executive Officer, Odd Arts. For services to Education and the community in Manchester
Mr Gary Kenneth HALL (Trafford)
Performance Director, GB Taekwondo. For services to Taekwondo
Mrs Humera HAQQANI (Rochdale)
Managing Director, Let ‘s Talk. For services to Business and to the community in Rochdale
Mr William Ernest HEAP (Oldham)
For voluntary service to the community in Oldham, Greater Manchester
Mrs Janet Audrey HEAP (Oldham)
For voluntary service to the community in Oldham, Greater Manchester
Mrs Elizabeth JONES (Tameside)
Chair of Governors, St Damian’s Science College, Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, Greater Manchester. For services to Education
Ms Najma KHALID (Oldham)
Founder, Women’s CHAI Project and Lead Organiser, Parent Power Oldham. For services to the community in Oldham
Mr David Trevor MOLYNEUX (Wigan)
Councillor and Leader, Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council. For services to Local Government and to the community in Wigan
Professor Srimathi Rajagopalan MURALI (Wigan)
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. For services to International Doctors working in the NHS
Ms Claire Angela OSMENT (Stockport)
Chair, Ongoing Women’s Local Support. For services to Victims of Domestic Abuse in Stockport
Mrs Elizabeth Ekeleoseye OWOLABI (Manchester)
For voluntary and charitable services in Manchester
Lieutenant Colonel Glyn Richard POTTS DL (Oldham)
For services to Education and to the Army Cadet Force
Mrs Pamela Jean SCARRY (Rochdale)
Head of Development, Continuous Improvement Service, HM Revenue and Customs. For Public Service
Mrs Angela SHIEL (Salford)
Foster Carer, Salford City Council. For services to Fostering
Ms Angela USHER (Manchester)
For voluntary services to Disadvantaged Young People through Music
Mr Sanjaykumar Jayantilal VADERA (Trafford)
Chief Executive Officer, The Fragrance Shop and Per-Scent. For services to International Trade

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire

A BEM is awarded to people who have contributed a very hands-on service to the community in a local geographical area. Either sustained commitment in support of local charitable or voluntary activity or innovative work that has delivered real impact in a short period (3/4 years). The following people have been awarded a BEM:

Mrs Dorothy Margaret BOWKER (Wigan)
Founder, The Bridge at Leigh. For charitable and voluntary services to Disadvantaged People in Leigh, Metropolitan Borough of Wigan
Ms Pamela Ann DUXBURY (Bolton)
Counsellor and Service Manager, Beacon Bolton Counselling Service. For services to the community in Bolton, Greater Manchester
Mrs Helen BEDFORD-GAY (Trafford)
Trustee and Communications and Fundraising Manager, FOP Friends. For services to People Living with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva and their Families
Mrs Ann Denise LONSDALE (Bolton)
For services to the community in Bolton, Greater Manchester
Ms Michelle Angeline MCHALE (Trafford)
For services to the community in the Metropolitan Boroughs of Trafford and Manchester, particularly during Covid-19
Mr Brian James MORTON (Rochdale)
For services to the community in Milnrow and Newhey, Rochdale, during Covid-19
Miss Victoria SNELL (Salford)
Customer Relations Manager, Transpennine Express. For services to Mental Health and Wellbeing
Mr Vincent John THOMPSON (Tameside)
For services to the community in Greater Manchester