Congratulations to all those recognised in the Kings New Years Honours.
To Chadderton’s Peter Fitzpatrick, Station Manager, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service who has been recognised with an MBE for services to Burn Victims.
And a BEM goes to The Reverend David Ireland, minister at the Union Street Methodist Church, and formerly Chief Executive, Francis House Children’s Hospice.
An MBE also goes to John Pickford, previously the News Editor In Chief, Bauer Media whose stations include Oldham’s Revolution Radio, for services to Broadcasting and Local News.
I’d also extend congratulations to Julia Heap, formally of Oldham Council and now Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Hopwood Hall College, who has been awarded an OBE for services to Further Education. I had the pleasure of catching up with Julia at a recent meeting of Greater Manchester college principals and her commitment to her students was clear, as was her affection for Oldham.
And to Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council who has done an outstanding job in our neighbouring council and in her role as Leader of the Local Government Association Labour Group.
And a belated congratulation’s to First Choice Homes Mark Gifford who received his OBE from The King last week at an investiture in Windsor Castle. Mark has given the housing association the boost it needed and we are seeing the benefits with more new homes being built and social focus back at the heart of its business.
A wonderful way to go into 2026!
Jim McMahon OBE MP 