" Marcus Rashford amongst those honoured by the Queen "
Fri Oct 09, 2020 9:40 pm
BBC NEWS
Front-line workers and volunteers who contributed to the response to Covid-19 dominate the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Footballer Marcus Rashford and fitness coach Joe Wicks are also recognised for their efforts during the pandemic, becoming MBEs on the delayed list.
TV chef Mary Berry and actress Maureen Lipman are made dames, while actor David Suchet and veteran entertainer Tommy Steele are both knighted.
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and broadcaster Prof Brian Cox become CBEs.
The list is usually published in June, when the Queen celebrates her official birthday, but it was postponed so that individuals who played crucial roles in the first months of the coronavirus outbreak could be added.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the recipients of this year's honours were "a testament to the sort of country we are - caring, compassionate and resolute in the face of a global pandemic".
"The hard work and dedication of these local, often unsung heroes has helped carry us through," he added.
England player Rashford, whose award came for services to vulnerable children in the UK during the coronavirus epidemic said becoming an MBE sounded "a little bit strange but obviously I feel honoured".
The 22-year-old Manchester United forward successfully campaigned to extend free school meals over the summer after pressing the government into a U-turn on the issue.
"Hopefully it inspires more people to do good things," Rashford said. "It's a nice moment for me personally but I feel like I'm still at the beginning of the journey that I set out to try to achieve."
Wicks, also known as The Body Coach, became the UK's PE teacher during the national lockdown by running free online classes every weekday for children and parents to keep fit.
"If you met me as a little boy you'd have thought 'he's not going to go anywhere, he's not going to do anything great', he said. "But I've turned it around and I really am proud I've become this person who's helping people."
He received an MBE for his home workouts, along with Mr Motivator - real name Derrick Evans - who rose to fame in the 1990s on GMTV and returned to the nation's TVs with his exercise classes.
However, it is the "unsung heroes" of the pandemic, such as NHS and social care staff, fundraisers, shop workers, and drivers - of public transport and deliveries, which make up the majority of the 414 names who have been awarded for their "exceptional contributions" during the outbreak.
Felicia Kwaku, from Islington, north London, who has been a nurse for 30 years, is among the health and social care workers which make up 14% of the total 1,495 recipients on the list.
The 52-year-old, who is associate director of nursing at Kings College NHS Foundation Trust, championed the cause of nurses from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background, who were being disproportionately affected by the virus.
She said it was an "absolute honour" to be made an OBE for services to nursing, adding that it wasn't just for her but also the "nurses I work with and the ones who lost their lives".
Fundraisers are also celebrated after millions of pounds were raised for charity during the crisis.
Dabirul Islam Choudhury, from Bow, east London, said he was "proud" after becoming an OBE for raising more than £420,000 for coronavirus relief and said he "thanked everybody from the bottom of my heart".
Mr Choudhury, who turns 101 in January, said he was inspired by another 100-year-old, Captain Sir Tom Moore, to walk almost 1,000 laps of his garden while fasting for Ramadan.
Online quizzes became a feature of lockdown for many but for Jay Flynn, 38, from Darwen, Lancashire, his virtual pub quiz has seen him awarded an MBE for charitable service.
The former pub landlord's quiz went viral with more than 180,000 people playing along at its peak - from as far afield as New Zealand and the US - and he raised more than £750,000 through donations.
The huge voluntary effort across the country has also been reflected, with 72% of recipients awarded for their work in the community, including those who supplied free meals to those who were shielding, volunteering to help those at risk, and delivering care packages to NHS frontline workers.
Glasgow restaurant owner David Maguire, 62, who gave out free meals to NHS workers and vulnerable people, said it was a team effort but he was "really pleased" to have been made an MBE.
The Cabinet Office said this year's list was the first to have 11% of recipients under 30, with 16-year-old Theodore Wride the youngest. He is awarded the BEM for service to his community in Sunderland during the pandemic.
Several experts working in the science, health and pharmaceutical field have also been recognised for their efforts during the pandemic, including Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London, who leads the Covid Symptom Study app. He is made an OBE.
Meanwhile, six of the UK government's scientific advisers - who sit on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) - have also been recognised.
Prof Julia Gog, Prof Graham Medley, Prof Cath Noakes, Prof Lucy Yardley, Prof Calum Semple and Dr James Rubin have been made OBEs for services to the Covid-19 response.
Former Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry, who was made a CBE in 2012 and has written more than 70 cookbooks, said becoming a dame was "really the icing on the cake".
She added: "When I was first told that I was going to be a dame you don't really believe it - then it's so exciting, and you feel very proud. It's such a huge honour."
Meanwhile, another national treasure, Sir David Attenborough, who was knighted in 1985, has been given an upgrade - receiving a Knight Grand Cross in the diplomatic list announced by the Foreign Office.
The award, for service in a foreign country, is awarded for the 94-year-old's contribution to broadcasting and conservation.
Two actors whose careers have spanned more than 50 years are both recognised. Coronation Street star Maureen Lipman, 74, gets a damehood, while David Suchet, best known for playing Hercule Poirot in the long-running Agatha Christie detective series, has received a knighthood.
Also among the new knights is veteran entertainer Tommy Steele, 83, dubbed Britain's "first rock and roll star", who earned his first number one in 1957 with Singing the Blues.
Former BBC athletics commentator and long-distance runner Brendan Foster, 72, who founded the Great North Run, has been knighted for services to international and national sport and culture in the north east of England.
Three Wales rugby union legends are also among the sports figures to be celebrated, with former head coach Warren Gatland, who led his team to a World Cup semi-final last year, becoming a CBE.
Getting the same honour is former player Gareth Thomas, while Wales' most capped player, Alun Wyn Jones, is made an OBE.
Jones said: "I was initially reluctant to receive such an award in these trying times when there are so many people doing so much good for the community and are more worthy, but I see this as an acknowledgement to all the people who have helped me throughout my career."
MBEs also go to former England cricketer Darren Gough, Great Britain's Olympic curler Eve Muirhead, who led her team to bronze in 2014, and snooker player Reanne Evans, who became the first woman to compete against the world's best men.
The creator of Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks, Phil Redmond, has been knighted for services to broadcasting and arts in the regions, while writer and director Sally Wainwright, who has been behind some of biggest television dramas in recent years, including Gentleman Jack, is made OBE.
Other familiar faces from the small screen to get recognised include physicist Prof Brian Cox, who becomes a CBE, along with TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, 60, who has been working in broadcasting for more than 30 years.
Authors who have been honoured include Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo with an OBE, and Susan Hill - best known for The Woman in Black - who is made a dame.
The honours list is being hailed as the most diverse ever.
Of the 1,495 recipients, 13% are from a BAME background and 6% have a disability. The list includes 740 women, which represents 49% of the total - down from 51% in the New Years Honours list last year.
There are MBEs for rapper Dizzee Rascal and singer Mica Paris, who has recently joined the cast of Eastenders, while singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading and actor Adrian Lester are made CBEs.
From the world of fashion, British designer Sir Paul Smith, who was knighted in 2000, is getting an upgrade after being appointed to the prestigious Order of the Companions of Honour.
The honour is restricted to a maximum of 65 members and already includes the likes of Sir Elton John, JK Rowling and Sir Paul McCartney.
Front-line workers and volunteers who contributed to the response to Covid-19 dominate the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Footballer Marcus Rashford and fitness coach Joe Wicks are also recognised for their efforts during the pandemic, becoming MBEs on the delayed list.
TV chef Mary Berry and actress Maureen Lipman are made dames, while actor David Suchet and veteran entertainer Tommy Steele are both knighted.
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and broadcaster Prof Brian Cox become CBEs.
The list is usually published in June, when the Queen celebrates her official birthday, but it was postponed so that individuals who played crucial roles in the first months of the coronavirus outbreak could be added.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the recipients of this year's honours were "a testament to the sort of country we are - caring, compassionate and resolute in the face of a global pandemic".
"The hard work and dedication of these local, often unsung heroes has helped carry us through," he added.
England player Rashford, whose award came for services to vulnerable children in the UK during the coronavirus epidemic said becoming an MBE sounded "a little bit strange but obviously I feel honoured".
The 22-year-old Manchester United forward successfully campaigned to extend free school meals over the summer after pressing the government into a U-turn on the issue.
"Hopefully it inspires more people to do good things," Rashford said. "It's a nice moment for me personally but I feel like I'm still at the beginning of the journey that I set out to try to achieve."
Wicks, also known as The Body Coach, became the UK's PE teacher during the national lockdown by running free online classes every weekday for children and parents to keep fit.
"If you met me as a little boy you'd have thought 'he's not going to go anywhere, he's not going to do anything great', he said. "But I've turned it around and I really am proud I've become this person who's helping people."
He received an MBE for his home workouts, along with Mr Motivator - real name Derrick Evans - who rose to fame in the 1990s on GMTV and returned to the nation's TVs with his exercise classes.
However, it is the "unsung heroes" of the pandemic, such as NHS and social care staff, fundraisers, shop workers, and drivers - of public transport and deliveries, which make up the majority of the 414 names who have been awarded for their "exceptional contributions" during the outbreak.
Felicia Kwaku, from Islington, north London, who has been a nurse for 30 years, is among the health and social care workers which make up 14% of the total 1,495 recipients on the list.
The 52-year-old, who is associate director of nursing at Kings College NHS Foundation Trust, championed the cause of nurses from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background, who were being disproportionately affected by the virus.
She said it was an "absolute honour" to be made an OBE for services to nursing, adding that it wasn't just for her but also the "nurses I work with and the ones who lost their lives".
Fundraisers are also celebrated after millions of pounds were raised for charity during the crisis.
Dabirul Islam Choudhury, from Bow, east London, said he was "proud" after becoming an OBE for raising more than £420,000 for coronavirus relief and said he "thanked everybody from the bottom of my heart".
Mr Choudhury, who turns 101 in January, said he was inspired by another 100-year-old, Captain Sir Tom Moore, to walk almost 1,000 laps of his garden while fasting for Ramadan.
Online quizzes became a feature of lockdown for many but for Jay Flynn, 38, from Darwen, Lancashire, his virtual pub quiz has seen him awarded an MBE for charitable service.
The former pub landlord's quiz went viral with more than 180,000 people playing along at its peak - from as far afield as New Zealand and the US - and he raised more than £750,000 through donations.
The huge voluntary effort across the country has also been reflected, with 72% of recipients awarded for their work in the community, including those who supplied free meals to those who were shielding, volunteering to help those at risk, and delivering care packages to NHS frontline workers.
Glasgow restaurant owner David Maguire, 62, who gave out free meals to NHS workers and vulnerable people, said it was a team effort but he was "really pleased" to have been made an MBE.
The Cabinet Office said this year's list was the first to have 11% of recipients under 30, with 16-year-old Theodore Wride the youngest. He is awarded the BEM for service to his community in Sunderland during the pandemic.
Several experts working in the science, health and pharmaceutical field have also been recognised for their efforts during the pandemic, including Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London, who leads the Covid Symptom Study app. He is made an OBE.
Meanwhile, six of the UK government's scientific advisers - who sit on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) - have also been recognised.
Prof Julia Gog, Prof Graham Medley, Prof Cath Noakes, Prof Lucy Yardley, Prof Calum Semple and Dr James Rubin have been made OBEs for services to the Covid-19 response.
Former Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry, who was made a CBE in 2012 and has written more than 70 cookbooks, said becoming a dame was "really the icing on the cake".
She added: "When I was first told that I was going to be a dame you don't really believe it - then it's so exciting, and you feel very proud. It's such a huge honour."
Meanwhile, another national treasure, Sir David Attenborough, who was knighted in 1985, has been given an upgrade - receiving a Knight Grand Cross in the diplomatic list announced by the Foreign Office.
The award, for service in a foreign country, is awarded for the 94-year-old's contribution to broadcasting and conservation.
Two actors whose careers have spanned more than 50 years are both recognised. Coronation Street star Maureen Lipman, 74, gets a damehood, while David Suchet, best known for playing Hercule Poirot in the long-running Agatha Christie detective series, has received a knighthood.
Also among the new knights is veteran entertainer Tommy Steele, 83, dubbed Britain's "first rock and roll star", who earned his first number one in 1957 with Singing the Blues.
Former BBC athletics commentator and long-distance runner Brendan Foster, 72, who founded the Great North Run, has been knighted for services to international and national sport and culture in the north east of England.
Three Wales rugby union legends are also among the sports figures to be celebrated, with former head coach Warren Gatland, who led his team to a World Cup semi-final last year, becoming a CBE.
Getting the same honour is former player Gareth Thomas, while Wales' most capped player, Alun Wyn Jones, is made an OBE.
Jones said: "I was initially reluctant to receive such an award in these trying times when there are so many people doing so much good for the community and are more worthy, but I see this as an acknowledgement to all the people who have helped me throughout my career."
MBEs also go to former England cricketer Darren Gough, Great Britain's Olympic curler Eve Muirhead, who led her team to bronze in 2014, and snooker player Reanne Evans, who became the first woman to compete against the world's best men.
The creator of Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks, Phil Redmond, has been knighted for services to broadcasting and arts in the regions, while writer and director Sally Wainwright, who has been behind some of biggest television dramas in recent years, including Gentleman Jack, is made OBE.
Other familiar faces from the small screen to get recognised include physicist Prof Brian Cox, who becomes a CBE, along with TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, 60, who has been working in broadcasting for more than 30 years.
Authors who have been honoured include Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo with an OBE, and Susan Hill - best known for The Woman in Black - who is made a dame.
The honours list is being hailed as the most diverse ever.
Of the 1,495 recipients, 13% are from a BAME background and 6% have a disability. The list includes 740 women, which represents 49% of the total - down from 51% in the New Years Honours list last year.
There are MBEs for rapper Dizzee Rascal and singer Mica Paris, who has recently joined the cast of Eastenders, while singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading and actor Adrian Lester are made CBEs.
From the world of fashion, British designer Sir Paul Smith, who was knighted in 2000, is getting an upgrade after being appointed to the prestigious Order of the Companions of Honour.
The honour is restricted to a maximum of 65 members and already includes the likes of Sir Elton John, JK Rowling and Sir Paul McCartney.
Re: " Marcus Rashford amongst those honoured by the Queen "
Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:13 am
Rashford put himself out there and has creditably highlighted the issue; but surely way too early for recognition like this? 
Re: " Marcus Rashford amongst those honoured by the Queen "
Sat Oct 10, 2020 3:55 am
Sven wrote:Rashford put himself out there and has creditably highlighted the issue; but surely way too early for recognition like this?
i like rashford but now it seems even the so called honours system has to bow down to the horrible SJW media class,
Re: " Marcus Rashford amongst those honoured by the Queen "
Sat Oct 10, 2020 10:06 am
Whilst I applaud Rashford highlighting the issue of child poverty in this country, is this really worth an honour? Hes used his multi-millionaire football status to embarrass the government that's all. Hardly a life times work is it.
It's the same for Joe Wicks. He just did some online PE lessons for kids for three months or am I missing something? Gongs should just go to to the real heroes of this crisis NHS staff, charity workers, volunteers etc..
It's the same for Joe Wicks. He just did some online PE lessons for kids for three months or am I missing something? Gongs should just go to to the real heroes of this crisis NHS staff, charity workers, volunteers etc..
Re: " Marcus Rashford amongst those honoured by the Queen "
Sat Oct 10, 2020 12:10 pm
Lol - who is helping who here ?
1. Far too young or deserving for an MBE - let's see what he does over the next few years.
2. I'm sure there are far more deserving people out there that need recognition other than him.
What he doesnt realise though is that by accepting it - he becomes part of the 'establishment'. A well known trick - if you have critics - give them an honour or responsibility for the subject they are have been complaining / campaigning for. Then make him responsible for it. Give him a charity or foundation - give him some money and then he can fix the problem in his area. Which I hope they do. Unknowingly he's being stitched up like a kipper, rather than moaning from now on he will be getting asked what he is doing about the issue and how he plans to be measure success etc. If it goes right - The Govt of the day will heap praise on him and accept they were right to award the honour. If it goes wrong - he wont say anything as he wont want to criticise his new friends of influence in politics.
Maybe Im being too cynical - but these things are done for a reason and it's very rarely for what they think.
I hope to see Marcus taking the knee soon for the poor copper PC Ratana who was shot dead last week whilst doing his job.
1. Far too young or deserving for an MBE - let's see what he does over the next few years.
2. I'm sure there are far more deserving people out there that need recognition other than him.
What he doesnt realise though is that by accepting it - he becomes part of the 'establishment'. A well known trick - if you have critics - give them an honour or responsibility for the subject they are have been complaining / campaigning for. Then make him responsible for it. Give him a charity or foundation - give him some money and then he can fix the problem in his area. Which I hope they do. Unknowingly he's being stitched up like a kipper, rather than moaning from now on he will be getting asked what he is doing about the issue and how he plans to be measure success etc. If it goes right - The Govt of the day will heap praise on him and accept they were right to award the honour. If it goes wrong - he wont say anything as he wont want to criticise his new friends of influence in politics.
Maybe Im being too cynical - but these things are done for a reason and it's very rarely for what they think.
I hope to see Marcus taking the knee soon for the poor copper PC Ratana who was shot dead last week whilst doing his job.
Re: " Marcus Rashford amongst those honoured by the Queen "
Sun Oct 11, 2020 7:23 am
Dammed if you do and dam..........
I do think modern day parenting as lost its way though.
I do think modern day parenting as lost its way though.
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Re: " Marcus Rashford amongst those honoured by the Queen "
Sun Oct 11, 2020 7:37 am
blue lagoon wrote:Dammed if you do and dam..........
I do think modern day parenting as lost its way though.
I hope you don’t actually believe the reason these kids go hungry is because the parents spend all their money on TV’s, phones and booze.
Re: " Marcus Rashford amongst those honoured by the Queen "
Sun Oct 11, 2020 8:00 am
WestCoastBlue wrote:blue lagoon wrote:Dammed if you do and dam..........
I do think modern day parenting as lost its way though.
I hope you don’t actually believe the reason these kids go hungry is because the parents spend all their money on TV’s, phones and booze.
i had free school meals throughout high school after guest keens was closed and father was unemployed it was badly needed otherwise would have gone hungry.
this is drop in ocean compared to the money wasted all over the place think the 5 billion computer system for nhs that never worked and was binned or any number of wasted defence contracts.
Re: " Marcus Rashford amongst those honoured by the Queen "
Sun Oct 11, 2020 8:17 am
Yep, gov pissed away loads of money.
But I do think our materialistic way of life is a distraction. Lot of pressure on kids and parents today in this gadget world. Xbox game or latest 45pm mobile or a good healthy range of food in the monthly shop.
I think good free school meals are a must from the youngest to the day they leave.
But I do think our materialistic way of life is a distraction. Lot of pressure on kids and parents today in this gadget world. Xbox game or latest 45pm mobile or a good healthy range of food in the monthly shop.
I think good free school meals are a must from the youngest to the day they leave.
Re: " Marcus Rashford amongst those honoured by the Queen "
Sun Oct 11, 2020 10:37 am
blue lagoon wrote:Yep, gov pissed away loads of money.
But I do think our materialistic way of life is a distraction. Lot of pressure on kids and parents today in this gadget world. Xbox game or latest 45pm mobile or a good healthy range of food in the monthly shop.
I think good free school meals are a must from the youngest to the day they leave.
Can I ask what your stance on the Rashford issue is? That’s a genuine question not sarcasm. What Rashford campaigned for was for students to get the meals they would’ve gotten if the schools hadn’t shut, the government originally refused to provide the food the schools should’ve.
As you’ve said you think kids deserve school meals for their entirety of their education yet the tweet you posted seemed to be against his campaign.
As I said I’m genuinely unsure what your position on the Rashford issue is?
Re: " Marcus Rashford amongst those honoured by the Queen "
Sun Oct 11, 2020 1:48 pm
ReesWestonSuperMare wrote:Lol - who is helping who here ?
1. Far too young or deserving for an MBE - let's see what he does over the next few years.
2. I'm sure there are far more deserving people out there that need recognition other than him.
What he doesnt realise though is that by accepting it - he becomes part of the 'establishment'. A well known trick - if you have critics - give them an honour or responsibility for the subject they are have been complaining / campaigning for. Then make him responsible for it. Give him a charity or foundation - give him some money and then he can fix the problem in his area. Which I hope they do. Unknowingly he's being stitched up like a kipper, rather than moaning from now on he will be getting asked what he is doing about the issue and how he plans to be measure success etc. If it goes right - The Govt of the day will heap praise on him and accept they were right to award the honour. If it goes wrong - he wont say anything as he wont want to criticise his new friends of influence in politics.
Maybe Im being too cynical - but these things are done for a reason and it's very rarely for what they think.
I hope to see Marcus taking the knee soon for the poor copper PC Ratana who was shot dead last week whilst doing his job.
Could not agree more, there is weird fight between apparently people who care about the whole world and are somehow superior to all of us regardless of skin colour or background, look after your neighbours and friends regardless of background,
you cant save the world or yourself but you can even though life gets in the way see that the person trying to just earn a living is not your enemy, if i die of covid so what who gives a shit , this at the moment is not living.