Oldham billionaire local people to get
THE GREAT AND GOOD ARE GIVEN GONGS ON QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY
A RAGS-to-riches billionaire from Oldham, an acclaimed Manchester-born writer and scores of unsung community heroes have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Greater Manchester’s police officers and a fire service chief have also been celebrated - as well as leading lights in research, education, charity and grassroots art.
As a boy, business tycoon Jim Ratcliffe lived in a council house in Failsworth before he built multi-billion chemical firm Ineos from scratch.
The 65-year-old was revealed as the wealthiest man in Britain in this year’s Sunday Times Rich List, but is known as a ‘publicity shy’ entrepreneur.
Mr Ratcliffe is made a knight for services to business and investment.
BAFTA-award-winning author of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, Jeanette Winterson, is made a CBE for services to literature. Manchester-born Ms Winterson, pictured, who is also professor of new writing at The University of Manchester, said she hoped the recognition would help women become more visible in the arts. “I am so happy about the CBE, for myself of course, but because the arts are so important in our world,” she said.
Two Greater Manchester Police officers have been given Queen’s Police Medals (QPMs). Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson has been recognised for his contribution towards combating modern day slavery, and commanding some of the most demanding boroughs and branches within the force. ACC Jackson, who has been an officer for 24 years, leads on counter terrorism across the north west and is heavily involved with the ongoing investigation into the Manchester Arena attack.
“I am grateful for this incredibly generous recognition,” said ACC Jackson.
“I have been privileged to work alongside superbly dedicated public servants over many years and often in some of the most difficult circumstances and it is a huge privilege to receive this award.”
His colleague Sgt Abed Hussain, pictured, is also recognised for his services to policing. Sgt Hussain, who has also served for 24 years, is highlighted as a community champion in Bury.
He created the town’s LGBT Rainbow Walks and first ever Pride march.
Sgt Hussain said: “I am honoured to have been awarded such a prestigious medal for doing the job I really love.
“I enjoy coming to work every day and working with the great communities of Bury.”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Paul Argyle, is awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for his public service.
Mr Argyle, of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, has led a number of initiatives to improve safety for firefighters on the frontline.
A long-serving leader of the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team has been made an MBE for services to the community. Mick Nield, 51, is one of the longest-serving mountain rescue leaders in the UK, serving the Oldham branch for 25 years.
The dad-of-two, pictured, has attended more than 1,000 rescue incidents, including the Lockerbie bombing, and has led the transformation of Oldham Mountain and Rescue from a group of amateur hill walkers into a professional emergency service.
Colonel Martin Newman, chair of the Jewish Committee for HM Forces is made an MBE for voluntary services.
Colonel Newman, 70, from Whitefield, has transformed the experiences of Jewish personnel from a small group to a thriving network within the defence faith community.
His leadership has driven the reintroduction of uniformed Jewish chaplains for the first time since the 1950s, and he successfully introduced kosher ration packs.
Rehana Mohammed has been made an MBE for services to the education of marginalised women in Rochdale and Oldham. Ms Mohammed, learning manager at the Workers’ Educational Association, said: “It’s an absolute honour. I have so much pride for my community.”