Queen’s honour awards delight

Jun 14 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

THE University of Liverpool’s vice-chancellor is among those to be given a knighthood in the Queen’s birthday honours.

Professor James Drummond Bone has been knighted for services to higher education and regeneration in the North West.

Author Lynda La Plante and outgoing Mersey Partnership chairman Roy Morris (both CBE) are among the names honoured, as is entrepreneur Sharon Hilditch (OBE) and comic Paul O’Grady (MBE).

A key player in the university’s development over the past six years, Sir Drummond Bone is also well known for chairing the Liverpool Culture Company.

His interest in the economy and the future of Merseyside has led to his involvement as chair of the Northern Way and its innovation and industry strategy group.

And, as former president of Universities from 2005-2007, he pioneered relationships between universities, business and industry.

Professor Drummond Bone said: “It’s a great feeling getting the honour.

“This honour is as much an honour for the university and my colleagues; it’s very much for us all.”

Sir Drummond Bone was one of 34 people honoured across Merseyside.

A Commissionaire at Wirral’s cancer hospital is preparing for his third meeting with the Queen. Edward (Ted) Dillon, 71, said he was “elated but humbled” by his MBE awarded for his services to healthcare in Merseyside and Cheshire.

Ted, from Birkenhead, has worked at Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology NHS Foundation Trust for 16 years.

A friendly face on Wirral, Ted was nominated by colleagues at the centre for his work as a welcome meet-and-greeter at the centre’s reception.

Ted said: “I just try and cheer everyone up and try and help. It was a surprise I was nominated.”

Bootle footballer Henry Bradley was given an MBE for voluntary service to young people and to sport in Merseyside.

Mr Bradley, 72, started playing football as a boy and 33 years ago established Belfry Youth Football Team as chair and coach. A former striker and full back, Mr Bradley played for Liverpool Football Club’s junior side and trained at Anfield.

He worked at Johnsons Dye Works for years, and also went on to play football in Germany.

Mr Bradley said: “I wasn’t expecting any kind of honour. I’m involved in football because I enjoy it.”

OBEs were given to four Merseyside residents including William Alan Brown, senior manager at Liverpool’s HM Prison, and Southport’s Air Commodore Jack Broughton, a retired mem- ber of the RAF, for his service to the Aircrew Association.

Comedian Paul O’Grady, 53,was given an MBE for his services to entertainment and said: “I’m really pleased, really surprised.”

laurasharpe