Congratulations to Oldham people recognised in the New Years Honours.
It’s a big achievement to be selected for an award out of many thousands of citations put forward each time, and it goes a long way to showing the difference in each field made.
These are not the same as the political appointments made by former or current Prime Ministers which have been brought into dispute too often, instead these stand alone on merit.
Firstly, many congratulations to Kevin Sinfield and teammate Rob Burrow who both receive CBEs. Though I’m not the only one questioning why these were not Knighthoods, they are still extremely significant honours and I’ve no doubt a further step towards being ‘Sirs’.
Oldham artist Brian Clarke whose work is renowned internationally is awarded a Knighthood. Locally you’ll see his work in the Spindles Shopping Centre (glass roof near Rhode Island Coffee), and of course the Brian Clarke Academy secondary school is named in his honour, with a bespoke glass feature in its hall.
Jayne Clarke, who serves as Executive Principal of the Pinnacle Learning Trust is rightly awarded an OBE for her work, previously being principal at Oldham Sixth Form College.
Well done to Elaine Linda Robinson on her MBE for years of work supporting young people.
And to Mahbubur Rahman on receipt of a BEM.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 