Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
13
Jun
Rachel Daly and Fiona Movley among local people in King's Birthday Honours
A Harrogate man has been awarded one of the highest titles possible in the King’s Birthday Honours list, published today.
Matthew Thurstan has been made a Companion of the Order of the Bath – the fourth most senior of the British orders of chivalry.
The Order of the Bath is a special Order of Knights which recognises the work of senior military officials and civil servants.
Mr Thurstan, who is honoured for public service, is chief finance officer and director general at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
He is not the only local person to be mentioned in the King’s Birthday Honours. Harrogate resident Roisin Currie, who is the chief executive officer of Greggs plc, is made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to hospitality.
Footballer Rachel Daly, who grew up in Harrogate and went on to be part of England's Euro 2022-winning team, is made an MBE (member of the Order of the British Empire).
The chair of Harrogate International Festivals, Fiona Movley, receives the same honour for services to charity.
In addition to her work with the festivals, Ms Movley has had a significant impact on several other organisations, including RHS Harlow Carr, St Michael’s Hospice and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. She has also served on boards including the Harrogate Theatre and the Yorkshire Young Achievers.
Commenting on her award, Ms Movley said:
I am delighted and humbled to have received this honour – it really isn’t something I was expecting.
I passionately believe that volunteers can make a positive difference, not only to organisations in their local community but also to people’s lives.
I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity as a volunteer trustee to use my knowledge and experience to help various charities which has been hugely rewarding. To then receive such an honour from the King is the icing on the cake.
The same honour has been bestowed on two other local people. Dr Matthew Gaskell is consultant psychologist and clinical lead at the NHS Northern Gambling Service, and has been honoured for services to people experiencing gambling harm.
Finally, Knaresborough's Angela Mountain, who is the founder and director of Sunshine Community Nursery, Little Rascals Private Day Nurseries and Giggles Day Nurseries, has been made an MBE for services to early years.
1