New Year Honours on the Yorkshire Coast

Thursday, 31 December 2020 08:12

The Queen's New Years honours list sees an MBE for Scarborough fundraiser Liz Blades and a British Empire Medal for former Bridlington Town manager Curtis Woodhouse.

Liz Blades has been the treasurer of Scarborough Sea Cadets for the last 30 years and and a member of the Fisherman and Fireman charity fund for over 20 years. Liz is awarded the MBE for services to the community in Scarborough.

Writing in a Facebook post Liz said...

"Well, what a brilliant surprise. Only been awarded an M.B.E in the New Years honours list for services to the community here in Scarborough. WOW.

Being included with all those famous names, and brave people who have done so much makes me feel honoured and humbled. I'm not the only one who helps with things, there are loads of us and all deserve an award so I feel pretty special being singled out. Huge thanks to the person who nominated me, those who wrote letters of support and my lovely hubby Bill who puts up with me."

Curtis Woodhouse says being awarded the B.E.M. for for services to football and boxing is a proud moment for him.

Dozens of people working to fight the coronavirus outbreak are also being recognised in the New Year Honours.

Famous faces on this year's list include seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, actress Sheila Hancock and musician Craig David.

In a year that has truly tested the resolve and determination of those on the frontline, the New Year Honours List includes 1,239 recipients, have been recognised for their extraordinary contributions.

Public sector workers make up 14.8% of the list and include firefighters, medical professionals, teachers, police officers and local government workers - all of whom are being recognised for making a huge individual impact, and in particular in the response to COVID-19.

Of the 1,239 people who receive an award:

1,123 candidates have been selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level:
- 397 at BEM
- 476 at MBE
- 250 at OBE
803 (65%) of the recipients are people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

"In a year when so many have made sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people’s lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours today are a welcome reminder of the strength of human spirit, and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion.

The 2021 New Year Honours offer us an opportunity to salute their dedication and recognise many who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to our country.

As we begin a new year and continue to come together to fight this virus, may their service and stories be an inspiration to us all."