Key Takeaways
- The Queen’s New Year Honours list recognizes the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, education, healthcare, and community service.
- A total of 24 individuals from Northern Ireland have been awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their services to their respective fields.
- The awardees come from diverse backgrounds and have made notable contributions to their communities, including charitable work, public service, and voluntary service.
- The honours list highlights the importance of recognizing and rewarding individuals who have made a positive impact on society.
Introduction to the Honours List
The Queen’s New Year Honours list is a prestigious recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. This year, 24 individuals from Northern Ireland have been awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their services to music, education, healthcare, and community service, among other areas. The awardees come from diverse backgrounds and have made notable contributions to their communities, including charitable work, public service, and voluntary service.
Contributions to Music and Education
One of the notable awardees is Professor Michael Peter Alcorn, who has been recognized for his services to music and higher education. As a professor of music and associate pro vice-chancellor for sustainability and strategic projects at Queen’s University Belfast, Professor Alcorn has made significant contributions to the field of music and education. Another awardee, Dr. Kenneth Samuel Gibson, has been recognized for his services to education, having served as the director of student and learning services at Stranmillis University College. Dr. Marilyn Avril Courtney McMullan has also been awarded for her services to education in Northern Ireland, highlighting the importance of recognizing the contributions of educators to the development of society.
Public Service and Community Work
Several individuals have been recognized for their public service and community work. Annette Elizabeth Beaney has been awarded for her charitable service, while Alison Broderick has been recognized for her work as an enforcement officer in the Trading Standards Service. Janice Ann Bunting, the chief executive of Victim Support Northern Ireland, has been awarded for her services to victims and witnesses of crime. These awardees demonstrate the importance of public service and community work in making a positive impact on society.
Healthcare and Social Care
The honours list also recognizes the contributions of individuals in the healthcare and social care sector. Julie Erskine, the chair of the Business Services Organisation, has been awarded for her services to health and social care. Raymond Michael James Kendall, a ward manager at the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, has been recognized for his services to nursing and healthcare for older people. Elizabeth Anne Meehan, a patient demographics service manager, has been awarded for her services to healthcare, highlighting the importance of recognizing the contributions of healthcare professionals to the well-being of society.
Environmental and Economic Contributions
Alistair Jinks, the director of business services at Northern Ireland Water, has been awarded for his services to the environment and the economy. James Wallace McConachie, the owner of Westbank Group Ltd, has been recognized for his services to the electrical control industry in Northern Ireland. William Desmond Scott, the founder and chair of Scott and Ewing Ltd and Woodvale Construction Ltd, has been awarded for his services to construction in Northern Ireland. These awardees demonstrate the importance of recognizing the contributions of individuals to the environment and economy.
Voluntary Service and Community Recognition
Several individuals have been recognized for their voluntary service and community work. Christopher Murdock, the chair of St John Ambulance Northern Ireland, has been awarded for his voluntary service. Margaret Peacock has been recognized for her services to the community in Coleraine, County Londonderry. Elizabeth Agnes Purdy has been awarded for her services to education and the Girls Brigade, highlighting the importance of recognizing the contributions of individuals to their communities.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Queen’s New Year Honours list is a testament to the importance of recognizing and rewarding individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. The 24 individuals from Northern Ireland who have been awarded the MBE have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to their work, and their contributions have made a positive impact on society. The honours list serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and rewarding individuals who have made a difference in their communities, and it is hoped that it will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
