GONG FOR TOP CITY WRITER
WALES’ most-capped international footballer, a bestselling author and former Echo journalist, and a Cardiff head teacher are among those named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Cardiff-born sports star Jessica Fishlock, who last year became the first footballer ever to reach 100 caps for Wales, has been made an MBE in the awards commemorating the monarch’s 92nd birthday.
She was honoured alongside spy thriller and historical fiction writer Ken Follett, 69, who was made a CBE for services to literature and charity. The Cardiff-born author, who joined the Echo in 1971 and is now known the world over for his Century and Kingsbridge series, said: “I am very pleased and proud to receive this honour for doing something I love – making books and stories as entertaining and accessible as possible.
“Reading is a hugely important part of my life and I am glad to have helped others to enjoy it too.”
Kitchener Primary School teacher Ruth Jackson has been named an MBE for services to education.
Mrs Jackson started her career in banking before turning to teaching in 1997.
Back in April 2016 the school was praised for its quality of teaching and learning in a “double excellent” inspection report.
Mrs Jackson said: “It reflects the hard work and very high standards achieved by pupils and teachers alike.
“I am very honoured to receive this recognition. I have been privileged to lead Kitchener Primary school which is located in a diverse and multi-cultural community of Riverside; home to very talented, kind and hardworking children.
“The school has a long history of important achievements in education, none of which would be possible without the support and dedication of the whole school community.”
The honours also saw Liverpool football great Kenny Dalglish knighted and Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson made a dame.
But the decision to bestow a royal honour on the Network Rail boss against a backdrop of huge disruption for train passengers in recent weeks has been criticised.
Mark Carne received a CBE and the Department for Transport admitted the timing of the announcement of the outgoing chief executive’s award for services to the rail industry following timetabling issues is “unfortunate” but added that recent problems should not detract from his overall service.
Actor Tom Hardy was recognised for services to drama, receiving a CBE, while Keira Knightley was made an OBE for services to drama and charity.