New Year’s Honours list recognises Olympians: Murray, Farah, Ennis

The New Year Honours list has been released today, recognising a host of Olympians who did Team GB proud in Rio 2016, including Andy Murray, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill, as well as fashion designer Victoria Beckham and actor Mark Rylance.

For his services to sport – including winning the Olympic tennis gold and now being ranked number one in the world after his Wimbledon success, Andy Murray will be accepting a knighthood in 2017.

Andy Murray is knighted for his services to sport

Double gold-winning distance runner Mo Farah will join him in being titled ‘Sir’, while heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill becomes a dame. For part of the Paralympic Team GB, Lee Pearson will also be knighted, as an 11-times gold medallist.

The majority of recipients (74%) have been honoured for their work in the local community. One of these is the Samaritans’ longest-serving volunteer, Alan Woodhouse, who will be made an MBE; Mr Woodhouse has worked for nearly 57 years at the charity’s Liverpool branch.

Oscar winner Mark Rylance is made a knight in the New Years Honours list

Marcia Shakespeare is appointed MBE for her work against gun violence since the death of her daughter in 2003.

Also amongst the 1,197 people on the list, was comedian Ken Dodd, who said he felt “highly tickled” to receive a knighthood, aged 89.

Actor Mark Rylance, star of Wolf Hall and Bridge of Spies, will also become knight, for services to the theatre, and Keeping Up Appearances actress Patricia Routledge receives the female equivalent – a damehood – for services to theatre and charity. Naomie Harris, star in the new James Bond films and the Nelson Mandela biopic, receives and OBE.

A more personal award from The Queen has been given to adventurer David Hempleman-Adams: he is made a Knight Commander of the Victorian Order in recognition of his services to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme for inspiring young people. Knighthoods, CBE, MBE and OBE are all nominated by others.

Fashion designer Anya Hindmarch – a label worn by numerous Royals – gets a CBE, while Victoria Beckham is to get an OBE, both for work in the fashion industry.

Back in the world of sport, couple Laura and Jason Kenny are appointed CBE for services to cycling, and Sir Roger Bannister, 87, the first man to break the four-minute mile in 1954, is a Companion of Honour.

Cartoonist Peter Brookes, author and illustrator Shirley Hughes, and broadcaster Angela Rippon are created CBEs in the list, the latter in recognition of her work in dementia care.

With the members of the public on the list, campaigners in various fields get recognition. The Right Reverend James Jones, who helped the families of the Hillsborough family, will be knighted, while Justine Roberts, founder of parenting website Mumsnet, is appointed CBE.

 

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2 comments

Sandra Synnot Sat 31 December, 2016 - 6:02 pm

Happy New Year

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Sandra Synnot Sat 31 December, 2016 - 6:05 pm

and congratulations to all people on “New Years” Honours List and I hope Her Majesty recovers soon

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