They are stalwarts one and all having done the North-east proud over the years – the New Year Honours List 2022 should make everyone across the region feel proud.
Here are the highlights:
Sunderland Footballing legend Gary Bennett has been awarded an MBE for his dedicated work around the ‘The Show Racism the Red Card Scheme.’
On receiving the news on his 60th birthday Gary said: “I was surprised, overwhelmed really, because I wasn’t expecting it.”
“It’s a fantastic honour and I’m delighted to receive it for my work with Show Racism the Red Card over a long period of time – I’ve been a patron for more than 25 years.
“We’ve been able to make people more aware of racist attitudes and make people understand what racism is all about.
“It’s not just about black players, it can be about race, religion, nationality, or even culture.”
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair who still has links to Sedgefield was given a Knighthood, while Durham born TV and radio presenter Matt Baker has been honoured for his work involving charitable causes. Author of the Vera books Ann Cleeves has also been celebrated.
Professor Alan Lowdon. Professor in Practice, Durham University and Director, Strategic Development, National Offshore Wind Institute, Bristol Community College, Massachusetts, United States of America, receives an OBE for services to UK/US Offshore Wind Collaboration.
It’s now Lesley Moody MBE. President, North-East England Chamber of Commerce, for services to Business and to the community in North-East England. (Morpeth, Northumberland). And Shaun Newton will receive a BEM For services to the community in Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne and Wear, particularly during Covid-19.
There’s a CBE for Professor Phillip Thomas Blythe FREng. Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Transport. For services to Science and Engineering in Transport and Government. (Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear)
The HOME OFFICE QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL (QPM) goes to Winton Laurence Keenen. Chief Constable, Northumbria Police. He said he is “deeply humbled and extremely proud” to be named within the Queen’s New Year Honours. His entire career has been dedicated to the one force and communities across the region.
Aonghus Gordon, founding trustee and chairman of the Ruskin Mill Trust, has worked with Clervaux Rise Adult Social Care and Clervaux Garden School in Darlington to launch the facilities for special needs, education, arts, festivals, and social enterprise.
And Jane Bradshaw, chief executive of the famous St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington, was awarded an MBE.
And we musn’t forget the NISSAN worker from Houghton le Spring responsible for inspiring thousands of children across the globe to study STEM subjects and apprenticeships.
Ian Green used his position as senior controller and section manager at Nissan Training to encourage thousands of young people locally and worldwide to work in the engineering and car manufacturing industry through projects he’s set up. Ian gets an MBE.
