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Oct 2020

Last Updated: 12/10/2020

Community

Harrogate district residents recognised in Queen's birthday honours

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 09 Oct, 2020

Several residents across Harrogate district and those serving our community have received awards in this years Queen's Birthday Honours list.

The Queen's Birthday Honours list has been revealed with several residents across the district awarded for their contributions.

MBE

Rachel Louise Bowes, has been made a MBE for services to the community during the coronavirus pandemic under her role as assistant director for care and support, North Yorkshire County Council.

Christopher John Bentley, from Harrogate, has been made an MBE for services to business and culture.

Kathleen Shirley Clegg, from Harrogate, has been made an MBE for services to prisoners.

Philip Nesbit Graham from Knaresborough will be made an MBE for services to the rail industry. Phil has worked in the industry for 47 years and offered signalling classes, on a voluntary basis, for 34 years.

His classes allow those working in the industry, those hoping to get into it and some who may just have an interest to train as rail signal operators.

He said:

"I am very proud, but it was totally unexpected. I thought it was a wind-up at first. It makes me think the last 34 years and my career have been appreciated. The real reward comes from people being successful from the training I've given."

Marie-Ann Jackson has been made a MBE for services to the community during the coronavirus pandemic under her role as head of Stronger Communities Programme, North Yorkshire County Council.

BEM

Colin William Gibbs, from Harrogate, will receive a BEM honour this year for voluntary service to young people. He has been one of the driving forces behind Tewit Youth Band for almost four decades.

As president of the group for 29 years, he has been part of its ambition to provide instruments, musical tuition and uniforms to all children, whatever their background. Colin and the committee are always finding new ways to raise money for the band, as well as local charities.

With the help of a private investor, Colin was able to secure a 125-year lease on a building to ensure the band can continue offering "a place for everyone".

On receipt of his honour, Colin said:

"It was very unexpected but I am delighted. It all started when my son wanted to play a brass instrument, I started helping volunteering and working with the band.

"When my son turned 18 he left and the band was going through a hard time and they asked me to take over. I knew I couldn't let it disappear so I got stuck in straight away.

"As a president I am there to keep it going, we sing for our supper and are always performing to raise money."

Colin said the honour was also in recognition of the band and the "hard-working committee". Following lockdown, Tewit Youth Band has only just started rehearsing in quartets, to comply with the rule of six, but it hopes to resume full rehearsals as soon as possible.

Florence Yvonne Grainger, from Ripon, has been made a BEM for services to the community in Masham.

Andrew Wayne Hattersley, from Harrogate, has been made a BEM for services to the community in Harrogate during the coronavirus pandemic.

Denny Levine, from Harrogate, has been made a BEM for services to the community during the coronavirus pandemic under his role as social care assessor for North Yorkshire County Council.