Shropshire residents named in New Years Honours list
A Squadron Leader at RAF Shawbury in north Shropshire has been appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours list.
Squadron Leader Neil Hope, the RAF Shawbury Community Relations Officer is recognised for his outstanding charity work and his extensive efforts in contributing to the operational effectiveness of RAF Shawbury. Neil runs the charity Taking football to Africa and beyond which collects and re-distributes football shirts and kits to the needy across the globe.
In addition, Neil has raised tens of thousands of pounds over the years for a multitude of local, national and military charities. Neil lives in Shawbury with his wife, Helen, a Biomedical Scientist at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and their 9 year old daughter, Charlotte.
Neil said; "I am incredibly honoured and proud to have been awarded the MBE. It is very humbling to have received this recognition for my efforts. I look forward to visiting Buckingham Palace to receive my MBE."
Other Shropshire residents receiving MBEs in the New Year Honours list include: Cyril Gittins from Shrewsbury, who is an estate yard foreman to the National Trust at Attingham Park, Cyril receives his MBE for services to heritage.
Thomas Francis Baker, founder of The Hopton Castle Preservation Trust, also received an MBE for services to heritage.
Lawrence Houghton, Senior Officer, Compliance and Technical Liaison, Bootle, HM Revenue and Customs.
Geoffrey Arthur Vernon from Market Drayton for services to Market Drayton Festival Centre.
Shropshire residents receiving OBEs are Professor Peter Charles Russell Latchford, for services to business and to the community in the West Midlands. Peter lives in Church Stretton.
Martyn Cribb from Pontebury for his services to education.
Grenville Jackson, former deputy director of Skills, Higher Education and Lifelong Learning at the Welsh Assembly Government.
Celebrities Honoured
Helena Bonham Carter, Ronnie Corbett and Lorraine Kelly have all been recognised in the New Year Honours list.
The King's Speech actress and the Two Ronnies comedian were awarded CBEs for services to drama and entertainment respectively, presenter Lorraine Kelly is awarded an OBE for services to charity and the armed forces.
