A FOOTBALLER, a musician and three fundraisers are among ten Silhillians on the Queen’s New Year Honours List.
England footballer Karen Carney is made an MBE, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) Chief Executive Stephen Maddock is made an OBE and Colin Bell, Joyce Rothschild and Malcolm Stent will be handed British Empire Medals – just some of those from the borough who have been recognised for their hard work and dedication over the years.
All ten worthy-recipients will receive their awards later in the year either at Buckingham Palace or at a ceremony in Solihull.
Observer Deputy Editor Sarah Mason takes a look at those who appear on the list.
Stephen Maddock Chief Executive, CBSO
Stephen has been awarded an OBE for services to music particularly in the West Midlands.
He joined CBSO in 1999, shortly after Sir Simon Rattle stood down as Music Director, and since that time has nurtured the talents of young conductors.
While in his role he discovered 28-year-old Andris Nelsons and supported him as he rose to prominence as one of the world’s greatest conductors while he was CBSO Music Director.
He has also created an Assistant Conductor programme to kick-start the careers of promising young conductors.
On being given the news of his honour Stephen said: “I am genuinely astonished and humbled to be receiving this honour, and I am very clear that this is primarily a reflection on the dedicated team effort represented by the CBSO and its wider musical family – our brilliant musicians, staff, trustees, volunteers, choruses, youth orchestra, conductors, sponsors, donors, public funders and our loyal audiences do an absolutely wonderful job in giving great joy through music, and sustaining the CBSO as a world-class orchestra for the 21st century.
“I am delighted to accept this honour on behalf of all the CBSO’s stakeholders.”
Coun Bob Sleigh, Leader of Solihull Council
Coun Sleigh has been awarded an OBE for services to Local Government.
Prior to becoming Leader, he was Deputy Leader for eight years and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing.
He is also a Director of Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, West Midlands Rail and Chairman of the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Councillor Sleigh has previously held non-executive positions with the NHS and was formerly Chairman of the West Midlands Probation Service.
He also has a long business career, principally with SMEs.
Coun Sleigh said: “I am delighted to receive the OBE, which reflects my passion and commitment to serving the people of Solihull.
“The borough has been voted as the best place to live in England which, as Leader of the Council, makes me extremely proud.
“I must also thank my fellow councillors both in Solihull and the West Midlands Combined Authority for their continued support.
“We have some very exciting times ahead as the West Midlands Combined Authority develops, and I am very honoured to be a leading part of that journey.”
Karen Carney, Enlgand and Chelsea ladies footballer
Chelsea winger Karen Carney has been awarded an MBE for services to football.
Turn to page 64 for an interview with her.
Shezad Nawab, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Sfhere
Nawab has been awarded an MBE for services to business and diversity.
Congratulations came from near and far for him on socail media including one from Birmingham City Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transparency, Openness and Equality who said: “So proud of @ShezadNawab – congratulations – I’m currently working with him to support disabled entrepreneurs like him succeed in Birmingham”
Peter Adams has also been honored with an MBE for services to the community in Hampton-in-Arden.
Joyce Rothschild
Joyce has been awarded with a British Empire Medal for services to charity and the community in Solihull.
Over 20 years ago Joyce began her charity campaign after suffering an aggressive form of breast cancer and since then she has raised alomst £125,000.
Her gratitude for the treatment she received was shown when she launched a Quiz with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support.
The first proceeds were used to buy crucial equipment for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where she was treated and since then, more than £111,000 has been given to Macmillan Cancer Support.
The 61-year-old and her husband, Mark, keep the high-level of interest alive by setting the 100 questions based around a theme.
Speaking to The Observer a delighted Joyce said awarded the BEM was an honour.
She added: “It’s always a great pleasure to have any sort of honour.
“I would like to thank everybody for the support they have giving the campaign over the years, they are the driving force behind the donations and deserve some recognition.”
Other Silhillians recieving a BEM include Andrew Yates for services to Sailing in Solihull, and Wythall’s Colin Bell for services to charitable fundraising.
