BEM Investiture Ceremony 21st January 2025

The Monastery Manchester

In a ceremony at The Monastery, Manchester, on Tuesday the 21st January 2025, 6 Honour’s Recipients were invested with their British Empire Medals (BEM) by The Lord-Lieutenant. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant and the Mayors of Stockport, Wigan, Rochdale and the Deputy Mayor of Oldham along with the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet and Lieutenancy volunteer Ben Hall were also in attendance to help and to congratulate them all. The photographs were kindly taken by the ex Mayor of Trafford, a keen amateur photographer (credit Chris Boyes).

The recipients and their guests from across Greater Manchester listened to the citations which were read out by the Clerk to the Lieutenancy and broke into applause as each of the stories were revealed and each walked forward to receive their medals from the Lord-Lieutenant and their certificate from the Vice Lord-Lieutenant.

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 recipients and their stories were as follows:

Roman Leslie BODNAREC

Roman is a key volunteer for the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) in his home branch of Manchester, where he held the unpaid posts of Treasurer and then Chair of the Audit Committee. He was Treasurer of the Ukrainian Saturday School and a staunch supporter of all the school’s activities. In 2014 he became AUGB Ltd’s Finance Director and took on the task of modernising and simplifying AUGB’s accounting processes and procedures. This involved not only overhauling the central accounting function but also creating new processes for branches to follow in a way which would not overburden volunteers at branch level.

Roman instigated and implemented various strategic changes which ensured that AUGB’s financial position was secured for many years to come, while remaining compliant with all statutory requirements. His support for branches involved holding seminars, workshops and individual working sessions to ensure full understanding, and this was done, not only in normal working hours, but in many hours of personal and family time in the evenings and weekends.

He has provided significant support to new branches which are largely made up of displaced Ukrainians, who have no experience of accounting and financial processes and procedures, again taking up many hours of his own time.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Roman has ensured compliance and kept the company running from a financial perspective. He is one of the vital unsung, behind the scenes members, who just got on with keeping the Association going and making sure the organisation survived whilst auditing and accounting for the many donations that were coming in, in support for Ukraine.

Despite battling with a long-term chronic illness, Roman is always ready to provide advice and support to those that need it.

Robert David CHEW

Robert has been a Firefighter for over 18 years in the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. After working in schools promoting safety messages, he developed an innovative way to create a new learning space for teachers, offering Littleborough Fire Station as a place for them to bring pupils to learn. He worked hard to ensure the station’s garden and classroom were safe and productive environments to teach in. As well as informing pupils about the work of the fire service, he taught them lifesaving and safety skills and involved them in the development and creation of the fire station garden.

This has been enormously popular with teachers, who are using it to invigorate the delivery of their curriculum. Pennine in Bloom awarded the station a silver medal, and Robert created an initiative with them to further develop the rear garden. The money won was invested in garden tools and matched with GMFRS funding, which he helped to secure, greatly improving the look of the station and turning it into a vibrant community asset with an open-door policy for the community. The station garden has gone on to win many awards, has improved the wellbeing of local pupils, and taught them the importance of protecting the environment, reinforced with information about responding to wildfires and flooding as a fire service.

Robert has recruited volunteers to run an allotment used by community groups, to help people with mental/physical disabilities. The open-door policy is extended to the food grown there and provides a vital source of free vegetables to the community which has proven extremely popular during the cost-of-living crisis.

Over the past decade, Robert has also run a football team and a drama class for young people and ran over 500 miles in 365 days to raise money for charity.

Robert has selflessly contributed and continues to give to his community.

Marie LYON

Marie is an outstanding patient campaigner. After being given Primodos, a hormone pregnancy test, she gave birth to a daughter in 1970, whose limbs were not all fully formed. For over 40 years she has supported the Association for Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests, the national organisation which she now Chairs.

Marie has campaigned tirelessly, with campaigners in the UK and Germany, regulators, and Members of Parliament. Her campaigning led to Theresa May, as then Prime Minister, ordering a review into the use of Primodos, vaginal mesh implants, and the anti-epilepsy drug sodium valproate. Marie also gave evidence to the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Review (IMMDS), led by Baroness Cumberlege. The impact of the evidence led to recommendations to improve the safety of medicines and medical devices. This will include improvements in the way that patients’ views are listened to and acted upon and on the information that is given to patients to consent to treatment.

Marie provides support and information to families and has used her voice to amplify the voices of others, including children with disabilities. She is a very effective communicator, working extensively with the media to highlight the campaign. Her work is entirely voluntary, and she continues to campaign actively for redress for families affected.

Marie is a huge support to patients and families harmed by medicines and medical devices. The generosity that she provides and the amazing work to amplify patient voices, despite the difficulty that she has experienced, is inspirational. Marie did not set out to be a campaigner, but shows that as an individual citizen, through her integrity, selflessness and leadership, she influences the highest levels of power to catalyse change for the better.

BRIAN MADDEN

For 70 years Brian has voluntarily worked to benefit his local community through a variety of means, particularly in connection with his Catholic Faith. He served as governor at Corpus Christi School in Oldham for 32 years, during which time he took on responsibility for the Special Educational Needs and Disability provision at the school, as Governor for Special Needs. He helped redesign the school’s policy and training with the school’s SEND Coordinator and worked closely with senior staff on a range of issues including school policy, documentation, curriculum, staffing issues and the religious life of the school. As a result of his efforts Corpus Christi was ultimately rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

Brian is also a dedicated member of his church community. He has played a major voluntary role in the running of the parish, including arranging visiting priests to give mass in the absence of a regular priest, arranging for delivery of communion to the sick, supervising administrative affairs, finance and social events.

Brian also worked on behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford in several functions. He was instrumental in the construction of the Shrine Chapel of Our Lady of Schoenstatt in Bolton, as project manager, overseeing the construction and served on the Marriage Tribunal for the Diocese for 15 years, with responsibility for adjudicating annulments. He has also been an active member of the Knights of St Columba, an international Roman Catholic charitable society, for 60 years. Brian has been involved in a variety of activities to raise funds for educational causes and to enhance spiritual awareness, including facilitating a series of logistically difficult pilgrimages to Lourdes.

Brian is an exceptional volunteer who is committed to his faith, selflessly working to benefit those around him.

Dr Amrik Singh MAHAL

Amrik was involved in the UK’s response to the pandemic from April 2020, when the University of Cambridge joined forces with AstraZeneca to create the Cambridge Testing Centre to boost the UK’s COVID-19 testing capabilities for frontline workers and the wider population.

Amrik provided the leadership from AstraZeneca to implement the IT infrastructure, applications, and security to enable the full end-to-end science operations from receipt of patient swabs to the data transfer of the results and daily analytics to healthcare professionals and patients. He chaired governance meetings with the Heads of IT for the Lighthouse Lab Network at Milton Keynes, Glasgow and Alderley Park in Cheshire to strengthen and support the UK Coronavirus testing programme and to share best practice and learning across the labs.

Mobilising the test centre from scratch in such a short period of time was a huge ask. The programme tested over 3.25 million samples and produced a range of scientific advancements that continue the fight against COVID-19 and other diseases.

He oversaw the closure of the centre and its transfer to large-scale UK Covid-19 testing laboratories but remained the IT system owner should archived data be required in the future. Had it not been for the role that he had played and his relentless work and focus over the period, the project would not have delivered the robust end to end IT systems and infrastructure to support the testing in such a short space of time which undoubtedly saved lives.

Internally within AstraZeneca he was also involved in ensuring they responded to the pandemic to keep workplaces safe and supply chains operational to ensure continued delivery of medicines to patients globally.

Amrik continues to be an exceptional contributor to the world of science and technology.

Isabel Christine TAYLOR

Five generations of Isabel’s family have served the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and so it is no wonder that she has been fundraising for them since she was just 7 years old. Since relocating to the north-west for work, she has campaigned to connect inland communities to the sea by sharing stories and knowledge from her family’s RNLI history. Highly trusted across the region, Isabel holds multiple volunteer roles for thriving inland branches and her impact has driven a sustained annual income of over £65k.

Isabel is one of a small group who established the City of Manchester Fundraising Branch. In 2021, they brought an Atlantic 85 lifeboat into the city centre to mark the 130th anniversary of the world’s first ever street collection, which took place in Manchester, following the Southport and St Anne’s lifeboat disaster of 1886. Thousands of people flocked to the streets to catch a glimpse of the crew and their lifeboat, raising over £5k.

This is just one of many events which would not have been possible without Isabel’s influence, passion, and commitment. She is also naturally skilled in converting casual conversations into lasting partnerships, such as instigating a collaboration in 2018 with 1,200 UK community groups to raise funds for 5 lifeguard rescue craft.

Committed to her community, she was a keen Girl Guider and a member of a Cornish choir prior to relocating. Her father said about her move ‘our loss is your gain’, and since arriving, her branch chairman has claimed ‘she is a volunteer I wish I could clone.’

Isabel, also known as “Stormy Stan ”, the RNLI Mascot, is an incredible fundraiser and has, without doubt, enabled the RNLI to save many lives.

New Year Honour’s List 2025

Mrs Diane Hawkins the Lord-Lieutenant in uniform outside Manchester Cathedral
Mrs Diane Hawkins JP LLB, the Lord-Lieutenant

The Lord-Lieutenant would like to congratulate all the Greater Manchester recipients of Honours in The King’s New Year Honour’s 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 she 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. http://www.gmhonours.org/

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

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:

Professor Sanjay ARYA from Bolton
Medical Director and Consultant Cardiologist, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Managing Director, Centre for Remediation, Support and Training. For services to BME Doctors and Healthcare in the North West

Mr Anthony John MARTIN from Oldham
Lately Touch Judge, Rugby Super League. For services to Rugby League

Ms Elizabeth MARMONT from Stockport
For services to UK health response to overseas emergencies

Dr Eamonn Sean O’NEAL DL from Trafford
For services to Charitable Causes and to People with Disabilities in North West England

Dr Tobias SIMPSON from Manchester
Director, Wiener Holocaust Library. For services to Holocaust Memorial.

Mr Jaco-Albert VAN GASS MBE from Trafford
Track Cyclist. For services to Sport

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:

Professor Bamidele ADEBISI from Trafford
Head, Smart Infrastructure and Industry Research Group, Manchester Metropolitan University. For services to Knowledge Transfer

Mrs Joanne Elizabeth AHMED from Trafford
Tax Partner, Deloitte. For services to Business and Trade

Ms Amanda DELEW (BOMSZTYK) from Salford
Northern Regional Director, Community Security Trust. For services to the Jewish Community

Ms Sophie Ellen CAPEWELL from Stockport
Track Cyclist. For services to Sport

Miss Emma Marion FINUCANE from Stockport
For services to Cycling

Mr Francis Patrick GALVIN from Manchester
For services to Heritage in Greater Manchester

Mr Finlay GRAHAM from Stockport
Cyclist, Team GB. For services to Cycling

Ms Keely Nicole HODGKINSON from Salford
Middle-Distance Runner. For services to Sport

Mr Julian Nicholas HORSLER from Salford
Equality and Diversity Manager, National Highways. For services to Equality, accessibility and Inclusion

Mrs Christine Anne LYNESS from Tameside
Governor, Ashton Sixth Form College, Ashton-under-Lyne. For services to Education

Mrs Wendy June MACKIE from Tameside
Managing Director and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Works4U, Tameside and Greater Manchester. For services to Education for Disadvantaged Young People

Mr Richard O’NEILL from Bury
Founder, Richard O’Neill Storytelling, Author, and Creative Lead Residence, Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, UK. For services to Education and Literature

Mr Philip ROSE from Trafford
Founder and lately Senior Partner, SciTech, North West England. For services to Children’s Science Education

Mrs Joan TODD from Tameside
Team Manager, Afghan Resettlement and Ukraine Response Team, Manchester City Council. For services to Refugee Resettlement

Mr Kevin Edward TURNER from Trafford
Co-Founder, Company Chameleon. For services to Dance and Mental Health

Ms Sophie Beth UNWIN from Stockport
Cyclist. For services to Sport

Mr John WESTWELL from Bury
Director of System Leadership, National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, England. For services to Education

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

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:

Mr Brian Allan JOHNSON from Manchester
Chair, Friends of Didsbury Park. For services to Charity and the community in Didsbury

Mrs Joanne TAYLOR from Oldham
Campaigner for Breast Cancer Patients. For services to Breast Cancer Patients

Retiring Deputy Lieutenant – Ms Felicity Goodey CBE DL BA (Hons) (Oxon) D.Litt LLD

Felicity celebrated her 75th Birthday on the 25th July 2024 and has retired her Commission. The Lord-Lieutenant thanks her for her dedication to the communities Greater Manchester and across the country and for her 26 years’ service as a Deputy Lieutenant.

Felicity is a former senior BBC journalist and presenter who discovered a passion for regeneration. She led the consortium which won the highly contested bid to relocate a major part of the BBC to the North and devised the concept of mediacity:uk on Salford Quays, home to a growing number of major media and digital industries and recognised as a globally significant media hub. Prior to media city she led the team which funded, built and established the country’s most successful arts-based millennium project, The Lowry theatre and gallery complex. Following Lowry’s success, she was asked by Salford City Council to set up a much bigger regeneration project. She established and Chaired Central Salford, a public-private partnership, the largest Urban Regeneration Company in the country. Charged with helping to redevelop what was the original City, Central Salford attracted billions of pounds of new private investment into the area, the benefits of which continue to grow.

Felicity gave up broadcasting to become one of the first directors of the Northwest Development Agency and develop her business interests. She chaired the regional organisation responsible for developing Tourism across the Northwest and Chaired the University Hospital of South Manchester, her ‘local’ albeit major teaching and research hospital.

Felicity’s business career included founding, with colleagues, the Unique Communications Group, a broadcast production and corporate communications company; she was for many years a non executive Director of Nord Anglia PLC. and is a past President of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Current voluntary roles include Chairing the Buxton International Festival, the Children’s Cancer research charity ‘Friends of Rosie’, Hon. President of the Cheshire Wild-Life Fund and Director of the Royal Northern College of Music. Honours include the CBE for services to regeneration, a number of honorary degrees and an honorary fellowship of the RIBA.

Thank you from everyone at the Greater Manchester Lieutenancy.

Retiring Deputy Lieutenant Mr Ian Sandiford JP DL

Ian celebrated his 75th Birthday on the 17th July 2024 and has retired his Commission. The Lord-Lieutenant thanks him for his dedication in serving the communities of Rochdale and Greater Manchester and serving for 10 years as a Deputy Lieutenant.

Ian was born in Rochdale in 1949 and is married to Janet. They have one daughter and two grandchildren.

He was educated at Rochdale Technical School for Boys, before joining the family retail business. In 1969 he expanded the business and started a new retail business in art and craft materials, which later developed into fine art and quality gifts. The company traded on Drake Street, Rochdale for over forty five years.

Having been involved in fundraising all his working life, and now retired, Ian continues with his voluntary work with a passion. He is a past member of Rochdale Round Table 55 and currently a member, and past president, of the Rotary Club of Rochdale East as well as a member of Roch Valley forty one club and a past president of the Rochdale Chamber of Trade. Ian was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1992 and became chairman of the advisory committee for the appointment of Justices; he is presently on the Supplemental list. Ian is a member of The Royal British Legion (Rochdale Branch).

Shortly before retiring Ian formed IJS Promotions, a group that organises charity concerts that have been held throughout the local area using world famous brass bands and raising funds for many local and national charities.

Ian is looking forward to spending quality time with his family and the GM Lieutenancy thanks him and wishes him all the best.

Birthday Honour’s List 2024

Mrs Diane Hawkins the Lord-Lieutenant in uniform outside Manchester Cathedral
Mrs Diane Hawkins JP LLB, the Lord-Lieutenant

The Lord-Lieutenant would like to congratulate all the Greater Manchester recipients of Honours in The King’s Birthday Honour’s 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 she 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. http://www.gmhonours.org/

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

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:

Shalni ARORA
Founder Trustee, Belong and Founder, Savannah Wisdom Charitable Foundation. For services to Charity and to Philanthropy

Karen Elaine BRAMWELL
Chief Executive Officer, Forward As One Church of England Multi-Academy Trust, Bolton. For services to Education

Dr Jeanelle Louise DE GRUCHY
Lately President, Association of Directors of Public Health and Chair, Greater Manchester Directors of Public Health. For services to Public Health

Professor Ian Melvyn HALL
Professor of Mathematical Epidemiology and Statistics, University of Manchester and Senior Principal Modeller, UK Health Security Agency. For services to Public Health, to Epidemiology and to Adult Social Care, particularly during Covid-19

Professor Paul Edward KLAPPER
Professor of Clinical Virology, University of Manchester. For services to Viral Diagnostic Testing

Simon David LEWIS
Senior Manager, Department for Work and Pensions. For services to Capability and Learning

Sally MACDONALD
Director, Science and Industry Museum. For services to the Arts and to Heritage

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:

Halima Hashim ATCHA
Diversity and Inclusion Lead, North West and North Central, Work and Health Service, Department for Work and Pensions. For services to Diversity and Inclusion

Neville Lewis BEISCHER
Chief Executive Officer, Flagship Learning Trust, Manchester. For services to Education

Jacqui Karen BELFIELD-SMITH
Head, Youth Justice and Targeted Youth Services, Stockport Council and Chair, Association of Youth Offending Team Managers. For services to Youth Justice

Pauline Marie BINNS-TULLOCH
For services to the community in Greater Manchester

Elva BROWN
Lately Driving Examiner, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. For services to Road Safety

Deborah Marie BROWN
Executive Director, Service Reform, Salford City Council. For services to Local Government

Paula DURRANS
Head, Security, Great Western Railway. For services to the Railway

Isaac GINSBURY
Chief Executive, Jewel Foundation. For services to the community in Greater Manchester and to Faith and Integration

Dr Shobna GULATI DL
Actor, Writer and Dancer. For services to the Cultural Industries

Paul Alexander HARVEY
Immigration Officer, Home Office. For services to the Home Office Veterans Network

Furqan NAEEM
Founding Organiser, Greater Manchester Citizens. For services to Inter-Faith Relations and to the community in Greater Manchester

Reverend Charles John NEVIN
Trustee, The Laurus Trust, Cheadle, Cheshire. For services to Education

Edwina Victoria ROSENBERG
For voluntary services to Young People in Long Term Care and to the community in Bury, Greater Manchester

Sarah Louise VAN DER MERWE
Head, Apprenticeships, The Learning Enterprise, HCRG Care Group, Greater Manchester. For services to Further Education and Skills

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

BEM

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:

Robert Lindsay Salmond ASHWORTH
Civilian Investigator, Greater Manchester Police. For Public Service

Roman Leslie BODNAREC
Volunteer, Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain. For services to Refugee Resettlement

Robert David CHEW
Firefighter, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Littleborough, Greater Manchester

Ernest FEARGRIEVE
Lead Race Mechanic, Great British Cycling Team. For services to Cycling

Marie LYON
Chair, The Association for Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests. For services to Advocating for Scientific Research and Improving Patient Safety for Women

Brian MADDEN
For services to the community in Oldham, Greater Manchester

Dr Amrik Singh MAHAL
Global Head of IT for Research, AstraZeneca. For services to Science and the Covid-19 Response

Isabel Christine TAYLOR
Committee Member, City of Manchester Fundraising Branch, Royal National Lifeboat Institution. For voluntary services to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution

New Deputy Lieutenant Commissions

The Lord-Lieutenant is delighted to announce the appointment of six new Deputy Lieutenants which was posted in the London Gazette on Wednesday 27th March 2024. These are the Lord-Lieutenant’s first commissions. The Lieutenancy congratulates and welcomes them all.

Mrs Sadia Sadf Din LLB – A Resident of Tameside

Sadia Din, originally hailing from Bolton, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester. As an educator, she has taught Law, Religious Education and Philosophy since 2005, following her LLB Hons from the University of Central Lancashire and Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Manchester Metropolitan University. Sadia’s commitment to inclusivity and support for the vulnerable is evident throughout her career. She has worked closely with students with special educational needs, including work in Equality and Diversity at Salford University. Currently she assesses the quality of services for the most vulnerable within a charity, reflecting her passion for advocacy.

As a registered Examiner and a Governor for a High School, Sadia champions high quality education for all. Beyond her professional roles she actively engages in community service, volunteering in local primary schools and offering tutoring to struggling students. Raised in a diverse community, Sadia recognises the invaluable contribution of the voluntary sector in fostering support and cohesion. She actively promotes a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, particularly for women and youth throughout her involvement with local charities and mentoring initiatives

Mrs Lindsey Forbes TD VR – A Resident of Stockport

Lindsey Forbes was born in Southport. She graduated from Liverpool University with a degree in Geography and joined the Civil Service. Following this, she joined Royal Insurance on their management trainee scheme.

After a number of years in the insurance industry she sought a change in career and completed a Master’s degree in Computation at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. She has worked for CGI IT UK Ltd, a leading IT solutions company, since her graduation, based in their Manchester office. She has specialised in the energy industry and in particular in smart metering.

In parallel to this she has had a successful career in the Army Reserve. Having joined Liverpool University Officer’s Training Corps she transferred on commissioning to 103rd (Lancashire Artillery Volunteers) Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers), eventually rising to command the Regiment. She was promoted to Colonel and appointed as the Reserve Corps Colonel of the Royal Artillery. She is currently Deputy Commander of the Army North West.

In her spare time she plays netball and is an enthusiastic skier.

She is a keen champion of opportunities for women in both the IT industry and in the Forces. She is an advocate of Veterans’ affairs and the Armed Forces Covenant.

She is married to Alex and has two sons Robert and Max.

Mrs Debra Jean Green OBE – A Resident of Trafford

Debra Green OBE is the National Director and Founder of Redeeming Our Communities (ROC), founded in 2004; a registered charity and Limited company. She is an author and is frequently asked to speak at events and conferences. Debra is married to Frank and they have 4 grown up children.

Debra has 25 years of experience in bringing organisations together towards the goal of social transformation, starting with her home city of Manchester. Since 2004, this work has expanded and she has acted as a consultant to many other towns and cities with significant results. Such work has attracted interest from public services and local authorities who are impressed by the proven track record and results achieved. She received an OBE in 2012 in recognition of services to community cohesion.

Mr Mark Llewellin – A Resident of Tameside

Mark was born and raised in the West Country. He studied performing arts in Yorkshire before moving to London to work at Mountview Theatre School and then London Transport where his duties included broadcasting travel information. It was during this period that he became involved with the Friends of Highgate Cemetery, serving as Secretary. He remains a life member.

Thirty years ago, he relocated to Tameside and was appointed the Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s Marketing and Business Development Director. He wrote his first book – They Started Here – about the history of the venue. This led to many requests to give talks, which he continues to do on a variety of topics often in aid of local charities, a second book and an annual commitment to look after Canadian Coronation Street fans visiting Manchester. www.marktalks.co.uk

Mark’s late partner, actor Roy Barraclough MBE, became the first patron of Tameside’s Willow Wood Hospice and Mark has continued this involvement serving as volunteer fund-raiser, patron, trustee, and is currently Vice Chair. Mark is also a director/trustee of Your MCR which offers work experience and mentoring to media students whilst making a weekly on-line magazine programme and podcast focusing on Manchester’s arts and charity sectors.

Mark is a keen supporter of Greater Manchester theatres, performing arts and heritage. He is a supporter of The British Music Hall Society and co-owner of Daisy Nook Garden Centre in Oldham.

Mrs Catherine Louise Scott – A resident of Rochdale

Mrs. Catherine Louise Scott, known to all as Louise, was born Catherine Louise Bell on April 22nd, 1968. For 34 years, she has been happily married to Michael Scott.

Louise’s story is one of remarkable dedication and commitment, professionally and in service to her community. After leaving school, she began her career at NatWest Bank, while nurturing her passion for culinary arts through evening classes and certifications in catering.

Louise moved to her family’s construction business, H Bell & Sons (Rochdale) Ltd in 1990, intending to support her father’s retirement for a year. However, her love for the industry and its daily challenges meant she couldn’t leave. She works alongside her brother and her husband, a situation she describes as ‘Interesting’! Today, she manages various aspects of the business, while advocating for diversity and youth engagement in the construction sector through her work with the company’s teams and local schools and colleges.

Beyond her work, Louise is a beacon of support for numerous community causes. She tirelessly fundraises for Springhill Hospice Rochdale, champions environmental sustainability through Rochdale and Norden in Bloom, and lends her support to initiatives like Petrus Incredible Edibles and WHAG, providing aid to vulnerable people in her home town. Additionally, she is a devoted supporter of Jolly Josh Charity, fostering nurturing environments for children and families.

In her leisure time, Louise enjoys family activities, gardening, photography, and furthering her culinary skills. Her life exemplifies the power of passion, service, and continual learning to build a better place for everyone.

Commodore Phillip Waterhouse MA DipRSA FCILT ESLog – A Resident of Bolton

Commodore Phil Waterhouse was born in 1966 and grew up across the Ridings of Yorkshire. Joining the Royal Navy as a Junior Sailor in 198, he was about to commence Petty Officer courses when he was promoted to the Officer Corps in 1988

Roles included logistics command posts at sea in Frigates, Destroyers and Amphibious ships as well as seagoing appointments on operational battlestaffs. Ashore he commanded the Defence Maritime Logistics School and a major MOD Project and was the Deputy Commanding Officer/Chief Operating Officer of Devonport Naval Base. On selection for Commodore, he became Naval Regional Commander Northern England and the Isle of Man in early 2017; coincidentally he became an Aide de Camp to the Sovereign.

Retiring from the Royal Navy in 2023, he now works as the Group Corporate Affairs Director for APCL, an international and national group of companies that provides naval and mercantile ship building, ship repair and ship maintenance.

Commodore Waterhouse is a Fellow of the Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Chairman of Mersey Maritime, a Director of Maritime UK, President of Hull4Heroes and is a Younger Brother of Hull Trinity House. A former Chair of Broughton House Veterans Care Village in Salford, he remains on the Board of Trustees; he is passionate in supporting the Armed Forces Covenant and all it means for serving and retired service personnel and their families.

His hobbies are centered on home life and an unhealthy obsession with rugby league and cricket; he is a Life President of the Royal Navy Rugby League Association and a Wigan Warriors Season ticket holder; he is also a practicing ECB Cricket Umpire. He is married to Colleen.

Retiring Deputy Lieutenant Stephen Lowe DL FCIB

Stephen celebrated his 75th Birthday on the 15th March and has retired his Commission. The Lord-Lieutenant thanks him for his dedication in serving the communities of Oldham and Greater Manchester and serving for 8 years as a Deputy Lieutenant.

Stephen was born in 1949; retiring from Banking with the RBS Group in 2013 after 46 years service working throughout the World with the Bank.

His community involvement includes the setting up of Oldham Business Awards, Rochdale Business Awards, and Oldham Sports Awards.

He is currently a Governor at St Herbert’s Primary School Chadderton.

Stephen was previously Chair of Governors at Oldham 6th Form College, Director of Groundwork Trust and Director of Oldham Coliseum.

Stephen currently works with the Stoller Charitable Trust, who provide Grants and Donations throughout the Greater Manchester Area, concentrating on improving the lives of others, with a special emphasis on young people in Oldham.

He was awarded the Ambassador of Oldham 2014, and the Paul Harris Fellowship in 2015 for his services to the community of Oldham.

Appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in 2016

His hobbies include being a season ticket holder at Oldham Athletic, and a member of Saddleworth Golf Club.

Stephen is married to Kathleen a Professional Artist. They have 2 children, Michael and Katie, and 5 grandchildren Dylan, Aoife, Conor, Amelie and Eva.

Thank you Stephen from all of us at the GM Lieutenancy.

New Independent Chair of the Greater Manchester Ethics Committee Appointed

One of the Greater Manchester Deputy Lieutenants, Dame Robina Shah DBE DL JP, has been appointed as the New Independent Chair of the Greater Manchester Ethics Committee.

The Committee advises Deputy Mayor Kate Green and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) on the complex dilemmas that policing faces in the modern world. When first established in 2014 the Greater Manchester Ethics Committee was the first of its type in the country due to its wide-ranging remit and GMP’s commitment to giving access to their systems and people, all with the aim of building trust and public confidence in policing.

Dame Robina said: “I am delighted to join the Ethics Committee at this crucial time, especially with its focus on integrating and sustaining core principles of ethics in policing. As former Chair of the Professional Standards Board at Greater Manchester Police and Board Advisor to the College of Policing, I hope to share this specific experience to further strengthen the Committees role in ensuring independent scrutiny of policing practice, behaviour, and professionalism. It is essential we build and earn trust with all our key stakeholders and therefore active collaboration, partnership and engagement with my colleagues, the police, and the community we serve will be a top priority.

further information can be found on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s website here.

New Year Honour’s List 2024

Mrs Diane Hawkins the Lord-Lieutenant in uniform outside Manchester Cathedral
Diane Hawkins JP LLB, the Lord-Lieutenant

The Lord-Lieutenant would like to congratulate all the Greater Manchester recipients of Honours in The King’s New Year Honour’s 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 she 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. http://www.gmhonours.org/

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

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.

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

A CBE is given to a person who has demonstrated a prominent national role, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity. The following people have been awarded a CBE:

Huw Charles DAVIES.
A resident of Bury. Lately Chief Executive, British Association for Supported Employment.
For services to Employment for Disabled People

Yvonne Helen FOVARGUE MP
A resident of Wigan. Member of Parliament for Makerfield.
For Political and Public Service

Professor Danielle Amanda GEORGE MBE
A resident of Stockport. Professor of Radio Frequency Engineering, University of Manchester.
For services to Public Engagement in Engineering

Kevin SINFIELD OBE
A resident of Oldham.
For services to Motor Neurone Disease Awareness

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:

Eamonn John BOYLAN
A resident of Manchester. Chief Executive, Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
For services to Local Government

Michael George EAKIN
A resident of Trafford. Chief Executive, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
For services to Music and to the community in Liverpool, Merseyside

An OBE for a female and other medals of the Order of the British Empire
An OBE for a Female Recipient

Katie GALLAGHER
A resident of Trafford. Director, Manchester Digital.
For services to the Digital Technology Industry in the North-West

Antony Craig LOCKLEY
A resident of Manchester. Director of Strategy and Assistant Chief Executive, Blackpool Council.
For services to Local Government

Professor Joyce Ann TYLDESLEY
A resident of Bolton. Professor of Egyptology, University of Manchester.
For services to Egyptology and Heritage

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:

Peter George BUCHAN
A resident of Trafford. Managing Director, Shipping, Nuclear Transport Solutions.
For services to the Nuclear Industry and to Young People

Amanda CHADWICK
A resident of Trafford. Founder and Trustee, Pyjama Fairies.
For services to Children in Hospital

John Hubert COX
A resident of Trafford. Chair, Joseph Cox Charity.
For services to Homeless People in Manchester

Paul FAIRWEATHER
A resident of Manchester. Trustee, Breakthrough Ltd.
For services to Disabled People and to the LGBT Community in the North West

Rhiane Estelle FATINIKUN
A resident of Bolton. Founder, Black Girls Hike.
For services to Nature and to Diversity

Daniel Peter HILL
A resident of Wigan. Director, Daddys with Angels.
For charitable services to Bereaved Families

Helen Louise HYNDMAN
A resident of Bury. Service Coordinator, Ask Eve, The Eve Appeal.
For charitable services to Women with Gynaecological Cancers

Lydia Anna Obat INA
A resident of Manchester. Foster Carer and Founder, Gapolunya Foundation.
For services to Vulnerable Children

Kenneth INCE
A resident of Wigan. Scout Leader, 1st Golborne (St Thomas) Scout Group.
For services to Young People in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan

Sheila INCE
A resident of Wigan. Cub Scout Leader, 1st Golborne (St Thomas) Scout Group.
For services to Young People in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan

Nicholas Edward JOHNSON
A resident of Trafford. Co-Founder and Director, Market Operations.
For services to Business and to the Food Sector

Christine Anne KENYON
A resident of Bolton. Deputy Principal, The Manchester College.
For services to Further Education

Robert James Hammond MALCOMSON
A resident of Bury. Deputy Director, Cabinet Office.
For public and voluntary service to the LGBTQ+ Community and to Homeless People

Marion Anne MEAKIN
A resident of Manchester. Senior Probation Officer, North West Probation Service, HM Prison and Probation Service.
For services to Reducing Reoffending and Public Protection

Kathryn Ann MORLEY
A resident of Manchester. Lately Chief Executive Officer, OnSide.
For services to Young People

Tori Pamela Anne OLPHIN
A resident of Rochdale. Chief Data Scientist and Head of Research, Thames Valley Police.
For services to Technology in the Public Sector

Ehinor OTAIGBE-AMEDU
A resident of Bolton
For services to Women in Greater Manchester

Yassamin SHEEL
A resident of Rochdale. National Lead, United Teaching, Greater Manchester.
For services to Children

Stephen Terence SORRELL
A resident of Stockport. Director, Small Things Creative Projects Community Interest Company.
For services to Arts and Culture in Greater Manchester

Jenny THOMPSON
A resident of Trafford. Co-Founder and Director, Market Operations.
For services to the Business and Food Sectors

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

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:

British Empire Medals

Reverend Christine Joyce ASPINALL
A resident of Manchester
For services to the community in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester

Ann CHAPMAN
A resident of Bury.
For services to the community in Radcliffe, Metropolitan Borough of Bury

Edward EVERETT
A resident of Trafford. Member, Friends of Bridgwater Canal.
For services to the Environment in Sale, Metropolitan Borough of Trafford

Daniel HERMAN
A resident of Trafford
For services to Education and to Holocaust Awareness

Patricia Carol JARMAN
A resident of Tameside.
For services to the community in Stalybridge, Metropolitan Borough of Tameside

William Ellis NIXON
A resident of Trafford. Honorary Secretary, Social Enterprise UK.
For services to Young People in the West Midlands

Rachel Frances PARKINSON
A resident of Bury.
For services to the community in Whitefield, Greater Manchester during Covid-19

Mahbubur RAHMAN
A resident of Oldham.
For services to Charity and to the community in Oldham, Greater Manchester

Helen Elizabeth WALTON
A resident of Rochdale. Policy Adviser, Rochdale Council.
For services to Children in Care and Children in Poverty

Dr Jane WILCOCK
A resident of Bolton. Chair, North West Faculty, Royal College of General Practitioners and lately General Practitioner, Silverdale Medical Practice, Swinton, Greater Manchester.
For services to General Practice

Roy WOOD
A resident of Wigan. Coach, Aspull Wrestling Club, Wigan, Greater Manchester.
For services to Wrestling and Young People

King’s Award for Voluntary Service Winners 2023

Twenty three Greater Manchester voluntary groups have been honoured with a King’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.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service Logo

They are part of a group of 262 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 6th year running, which shows how committed and full of innovative ideas our volunteers are, making life better for those around them.

The King’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 Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. The Greater Manchester award winners are a wonderfully diverse group and will receive their award in the New Year from The Lord-Lieutenant.

A list of Greater Manchester winners is here:

Bolton
BCOM Funeral Service
Create Bolton

Bury
Bury LGBTQ+ Forum
Bury People First
Supporting Sisters

Manchester
Feed My City
Friends of Didsbury Park
NEPHRA Good Neighbours
Olympias Music Foundation

Rochdale
Aspire 2 Inspire Communities CIC
Jolly Josh

Salford

Caritas Diocese of Salford
Princes Park Garden Centre
Women with Wings CIC

Tameside
Finding Rainbows
LEAP Children, Families & Communities

Trafford
Special Educational Needs Family Support Group
Trafford Veterans

Wigan
Bridgers Community Group
CIC Kildare Grange Social Dancing Section
Place 2 Place Football Club
The One House Aspull
Wigan Youth Zone