Tour De France Grand Depart chief leads Birthday Honours list with knighthood

Mr Verity was the guiding light behind the success of the event which saw the world's best cyclists come to Yorkshire.

Elsewhere, former Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery receives the British Empire Medal along with Katie Cutler, who launched a massive fundraising effort following the attack on disabled Gateshead man Alan Barnes.

GARY VERITY (KNIGHTHOOD)

HE WAS a surprise omission from the New Year honours list but the man who brought what has been described as the greatest Tour de France Grand Depart to Yorkshire has at last been knighted.

Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity campaigned tirelessly in order to see Yorkshire win the Grand Depart bid – and event which attracted millions of spectators and boosted the local economy by more than £100m.

Many felt he had been snubbed by the committee which decides the honours earlier this year and called for Mr Verity to be recognised for raising the profile of cycling in the region.

Yorkshire Cricket Club captain Andrew Gale led a storm of protest in the New Year, and took to Twitter to voice his disapproval.

“Can someone tell me how @GaryVerity hasn’t got an MBE? Brought and organised one of the best sporting events the country’s ever seen?!” he wrote.

Tour de France race director Christian Prudhomme had described the event, which attracted the likes of Chris Froome, Mark Cavendish and Alberto Contador to the dales, as “amazing, unforgettable and the grandest Grand Depart ever”.

But today Mr Verity has been named as a recipient of a knighthood on the Queen’s birthday honours list for services to tourism and for delivering the Grand Depart last summer.

Mr Verity has led Welcome to Yorkshire since 2008 and has transformed the image of Yorkshire around the world.

He said: “I am honoured, delighted and quite frankly stunned by being given an award, which is normally reserved for sporting legends, great actors and others of national importance.

“In many ways this award is for the thousands of Yorkshire businesses across the county and the millions who turned out to make the Grand Départ one of the most memorable days in the county's history, and a weekend I will never forget.

“It is also recognition of the phenomenal talent, dedication, and hard work of the whole Welcome to Yorkshire team - I am thrilled for them.”

Clare Morrow, chairman of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "This honour is richly deserved.

“Gary has worked tirelessly to promote Yorkshire to the world over the past seven years.

“It was his drive and determination which secured the Grand Départ for Yorkshire, and ensured that its potential to showcase Yorkshire to the world was delivered to maximum effect.

“I too am delighted that his hard work has been recognised in this way."

JIMMY MONTGOMERY (BEM)

SUNDERLAND AFC legend Jimmy Montgomery said he was surprised and delighted to be awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

The former goalkeeper, best known for his stunning double save in the Black Cats’ famous 1973 FA Cup Final win, was included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

The Sunderland-born star, who made a record 627 appearances for his hometown club, said: “I found out about five or six weeks ago. I’m really delighted.

“It’s not something you get every day. It came as a great surprise.”

The 71-year-old joined Sunderland at the age of 18 in 1960 and played for the club for 17 years, before spells with Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest.

He was also a goalkeeping coach, has worked tirelessly for charity and is a prominent club ambassador. He was honoured for services to football.

He said: “It’s all for excellent causes. If I’m available, I’ll do it. It’s great to be involved, whether it’s the club or the community – it keeps me young.”

Looking ahead to the new Premier League season, Montgomery said head coach Dick Advocaat staying at the Stadium of Light was a “massive plus” but he needed to make signings to improve the squad.

Montgomery, who lives in Sunderland, will receive his BEM locally from the Lord Lieutenant and be invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

KATIE CUTLER (BEM)

Young mother Katie Cutler who was so affected by the mugging of disabled pensioner Alan Barnes that she launched a hugely successful fundraising drive for him has spoken of being a reluctant role model.

The 22-year-old has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for her charity work, which she has continued with after founding her own charity.

The mother-of-one, who runs her own business as a beautician, won public praise when she raised more than £300,000 for 67-year-old Mr Barnes, who was attacked outside his home in Gateshead in January.

She described the months of fundraising and press attention as "going by in a blur" and said she is still in regular contact with Mr Barnes who is now helping her to raise money for other people.

Speaking of her decision to set up a fundraising appeal for Mr Barnes, she said: "It was horrible, what happened to Alan. I think it touched and affected everyone and I just wanted to help him. But receiving an award is surreal, I cried for three days when I found out.

"Since I started fundraising for Alan I've been contacted by individuals asking for help and businesses wanting to offer support so I started the Katie Cutler Foundation as a way to continue the charity work.

"I've had to cut back on my business and it's been harder financially but it's worth it for all the opportunities I've had and people I've met and been able to help.

"A lot of people have said to me I'm a role model. I've never been good at taking compliments but I think I've started to sort of accept it now.

"I think if you really want to do something you should just do it."

Mr Barnes, whose disabilities were caused when his mother contracted German measles during pregnancy, said: "It's more than an award, it's an honour and something to live up to once all the publicity dies down, but I'm sure (Katie) will be able to manage and I'm happy for her."

ROY SIMPSON (MBE)

COMMUNITY stalwart Roy Simpson has been awarded the MBE for his services to education, cricket and the community of Durham.

Mr Simpson of Peterlee, east Durham, was former chair of governors for over 20 years and is current chair of trust at The Academy at Shotton Hall.

He has been central to the school, working alongside four headteachers and overseeing the rebuild of the school in 2011.

Speaking of his award, Mr Simpson was modest and praised those around him for his success, particularly his wife of almost 48 years, Cynthia.

He said: “There are many, many people who have helped me both in and out of school in my local community and from my time in industry, none more than my wife Cynthia.

“From the outset we have been a partnership, with her role at the local primary, and mine at the secondary, allowing us to make an impact on children’s education from the outset.

“I’m just a boy from Wingate and receiving the MBE means everything to me.”

He added: “The work that I have been recognised for has brought me enormous pleasure and satisfaction for many years and to be rewarded for it with such a prestigious honour is a humbling experience and one that I am truly grateful for.”

Executive Principal Lesley Powell, said: “Roy has changed people’s lives by committing himself to his community and to our school.”

Mr Simpson played his first game for the Peterlee Cricket Club in 1965 and his last game in 2000. He has been club secretary since 1970. He also served as a magistrates for 20 years.

SALLY AITCHISON (MBE)

A MOTHER-OF-TWO who started out as a receptionist and became the managing director of a much-loved charity has told of her delight at being awarded the MBE honour.

Sally Aitchison, 50, started her working life as a receptionist at what is now TFM radio in the Stockton area and after a glittering career went on to become MD of Cash for Kids which has raised millions of pound for needy children.

Mrs Aitchison has received the Queen's Birthday list honour for services to the radio industry and charity.

She rose through the ranks to become regional managing director for North-East radio stations Metro, TFM, CGM and Magic Northern Network. She was then instrumental in bringing together the radio stations in a combined effort to create Cash for Kids (CFK), an umbrella charity for 21 local charities across the UK which raises money from and for their own communities.

One campaign, Mission Christmas,was supported through extensive on-air and station area-wide promotion and resulted in £8.1m of donations and the charity has helped nearly 300,000 children from the North-East in a variety of ways in the region. Nationally the charity has raised £83.6m and supported more than two million disadvantaged children.

Mrs Aitchison, originally from the Fairfield area of Stockton, said: "I feel there will be many more deserving people but I’m delighted to accept this honour. This one is for my family as I couldn’t have enjoyed the career that I have without their support.

"This is also for all the teams I have ever had the privilege to lead over the years and, of course, this is for the Cash for Kids team. They are a group of people who constantly go above and beyond to fundraise and help more children within their local communities. They are the best."

SUSAN SOTHERAN (MBE)

Susan Sotheran with her husband, Peter

IN recognition of her outstanding services to Girlguiding and the Redcar community, Susan Sotheran has been made an MBE – an honour her husband has already received.

Mrs Sotheran said she was accepting the accolade on behalf of the team of leaders and volunteers who have helped the movement thrive in east Cleveland.

“I am amazed, it’s a privilege and an honour,” she said. “I was a Brownie and a Guide and I really enjoyed it so I stayed on as a leader and have been with Third Marske Guides for 30 years. I had to retire at 65 but I’ve continued to support the guides by fundraising.”

Mrs Sotheran, 70, said girlguiding had adapted to meet the changing needs of teenagers but its core beliefs had stayed the same.

“It encourages girls to be themselves, to give them confidence and be a good citizen.”

“They still work in patrols and they have standards but music styles and clothing have changed and we have to keep up with the girls.”

Mrs Sotheran said she was delighted to now be in the same exclusive club as her husband, Peter, who was made an MBE in the 2006 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to Sir William Turner’s Almshouses at Kirkleatham and the community in Redcar.

“”It’s lovely for us both, we have always supported each others’ interests,” she added.

LUCY HOVELLS (MBE)

A COUNCILLOR appointed an MBE for public services said it is a personal privilege and a testament to the communities she serves.

Durham County Councillor for Trimdon and Thornley, Lucy Hovvels, has always been active in her community and fell into public life by accident.

After helping establish Trimdon Colliery Community Centre and running a number of play schemes she became a councillor around 25 years ago.

She served on the old Sedgefield District Council then Sedgefield Borough Council, of which she was made an honorary alderman when it was replaced by a unitary authority.

She then won a seat on the new Durham County Council and as a cabinet member has worked on health, safety, traveller, domestic violence and youth issues.

The grandmother of ten, from Trimdon Grange, said: "I've always worked hard and strived to make a positive difference, my public service has involved some difficult and sensitive issues and I've always put people and communities first rather than work from the top down.

"It is an overwhelming privilege and honour which I'm delighted to receive but it represents a lot of work by other councillors and staff in local government.

"It is also testament to the community groups and organisations I've worked with and I'm always proud to represent my community and respect it."

ANDREW DOW (BEM)

THE former head of the National Railway Museum who recently died is to be awarded a BEM for his services to Railway heritage.

Andrew Dow, 71, from Newton-on-Ouse, near Easingwold, died on April 24 after suffering from cancer, but his BEM will be dated April 30.

It is not possible for honours to be made posthumously because they award membership of a living Order of Chivalry – but because Mr Dow had accepted the proposed BEM before he died his award can still be included alongside others in the honours list.

Although Mr Dow came from a railway family, with his father a publicity officer for the London and North Eastern Railway, Mr Dow never worked for the railways before becoming head of the National Railway Museum in York between 1992 and 1994.

His previous roles included helping develop and market the Pegasus engine that powered the Harrier jump-jet, when he was head of Rolls-Royce’s North American business.

When he left Rolls-Royce to take charge of the NRM, he planned big improvements to make full use of the 17-acre site and make the visitors’ experience as modern and refreshing as possible.

In 2013, when the museum was under the threat of closure following government funding cuts, he called for the museum to become independent of the Science Museum Group, saying it would allow the NRM to make its own case for funding from central government. The threat of closure was later lifted.

He also criticised the Flying Scotsman restoration, which began in 2006 and is finally due to be completed by the end of this year, eight years behind schedule and millions of pounds over budget. He claimed the project was soaking up money that would otherwise have gone towards the restoration of the museum’s whole collection.

During his retirement, Mr Dow was involved with several heritage railways and was also a key figure in the Tornado project, which aimed to build the steam locomotive from scratch in Darlington.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie and their son and daughter.

DORIS JONES (BEM)

LONG-SERVING Darlington councillor Doris Jones has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in County Durham.

She said: “I am so honoured, I cannot believe someone looked at me and thought 'she’s worth it'.

"It’s wonderful news.

“I have received tremendous support from everyone.”

Cllr Jones' citation said she has Darlington with great commitment and enthusiasm.

As well as being a district councillor, she has served for 20 years on the parish council and is now chairwoman.

She is also vice chairwoman of the community association which looks after the local centre.

Part of her work involved taking the lead role in developing a neighbourhood plan for Middleton St George by running consultation surgeries in the village.

She also set up a PACT (Police and Communities together) forum, which has helped to reduce crime in the village.

She also tackled anti-social behaviour by speaking directly to youths and identifying problems. This led to the development of a new youth club which gives the young people somewhere to go in the evening and on weekends.

She identified the basement of the community centre as a suitable venue, but it needed extensive renovation. Mrs Jones sourced funding to start the project and involved the young people in the design and fitting of the basement. The new youth club has been very successful.

Cllr Jones said: “I enjoy doing what I do, helping people and looking after the village.”

She is overjoyed to receive the award and hopes to continue helping the community in years to come.

GEORGE CARTER (BEM)

A MAN who was instrumental in saving a North Yorkshire town hall from falling into ruin in the 1990s has been awarded a BEM for his services to the community.

George Carter, 82, said without his input Stokesley Town Hall would not have had its extensive refurbishment which included completely gutting the interior and starting again.

Mr Carter, who is director of Labman, a firm which makes robotic equipment for laboratories, and a professor of design engineering at Durham University, served as a town councillor for around 10 years and is a member of Stokesley Pride.

He said: “I was the man who led the refurbishment, and we literally started again with it.

“The wiring was unsafe, there was a kitchen with one exit that was right next to a gas stove, and some of the floorboards were rotten, with carpet covering the holes.

“It wasn’t suitable for wheelchair users so we dropped some of the floors and installed a lift.

“We did it on a shoe-string budget but a colleague and I managed to raise enough money to do a proper job.”

Mr Carter said despite his main achievement being around 20 years ago, he has remained involved with the town hall as licensee and is on the management committee.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Order of the British Empire

CBE

Alexander Beveridge Anderson, OBE, DL. Chair, Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership. For services to the Tees Valley Region. (Darlington)

Professor David Arnold Hill. Chairman Environment Bank and Deputy chairman, Natural England. For services to Nature Conservation and the Economy. (Ripon, North Yorkshire)

Ms Barbara Shirley Hann. Chief executive ACE Credit Union Services. For services to the Financially Excluded. (Newcastle)

Dr Hari Prasad Mohan Lal Shukla, OBE. For services to Interfaith and to the community in Tyne and Wear. (Newcastle)

OBE

Robert Young. For services to the community in County Durham. (Consett, Durham)

Patrick Michael Shepherd. For services to Business and to Charity in York. (York)

MBE

Mrs Elizabeth Ann Chambers. District chairman, Sea Cadet Corps. For voluntary service to the Sea Cadet Corps on Teesside. (Middlesbrough)

Mohammed Aslam Hanif. For services to Community Relations in Teesside. (Stockton)

Thomas William Lawson. For services to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in North East England and to the community in Tyne and Wear. (Newcastle)

Ms Barbara Patricia Millns. For services to Rowing in Tyne and Wear. (Newcastle)

Dr Harriet Caroline Mitchison. Consultant Physician Sunderland Royal Hospital. For services to Medicine. (Newcastle)

Mrs Vera Selby. For services to Snooker and Billiards. (Newcastle)

Mrs Sally Aitchison. Managing director, Cash for Kids. For services to Radio and charitable fundraising. (Stockton)

Keith Bayley. For services to the voluntary and community sector in Hartlepool Durham. (Middlesbrough)

Mrs Patricia Carroll. Operations manager, Peterlee Contact Centre, HM Revenue and Customs. For services to Taxpayers and voluntary service to Education in Hartlepool. (Hartlepool)

Peter Freitag. For services to the community in Darlington County Durham. (Darlington)

Mrs Lucy Hovvels. Councillor, Durham County Council. For public service. (Durham)

Keith Johnson. For services to the community and to charity in Durham. (Durham)

Mrs Margaret Ruth Lowbridge. Chair, SFEDI Group. For services to Entrepreneurs and UK Business. (Heighington, Durham)

Roy Simpson. For services to Education Cricket and to the community in Durham. (Peterlee, Durham)

Frank Wilson. For services to Festival Arts in the North-East. (Stockton)

Keith Barley. Founder and head Conservator Barley Studio. For services to Cultural Restoration and Conservation. (Warthill, North Yorkshire)

Keith Bayley. For services to the voluntary and community sector in Hartlepool Durham. (Middlesbrough)

Mrs Alison Beryl Harris. For services to the British Horse Society and to Equestrian Sport in Yorkshire. (Harrogate, North Yorkshire)

Dr Judith Mary Hooper. Director of Public Health West Yorkshire. For services to Public Health. (Ripon, North Yorkshire)

Mrs Catherine Elizabeth MacKinlay. For voluntary service to St John Ambulance. (North Yorkshire)

Bruce Gavin Reid. Fundraiser Fire Fighters Charity. For services to the Fire Fighters Charity and the community. (Knaresborough, North Yorkshire)

Mrs Susan Clare Sotheran. For services to Girlguiding and to the community in Redcar, North Yorkshire. (Redcar, North Yorkshire)

Mrs Celia Rachel Annie Todd. For services to the community in Foston, North Yorkshire. (Strensall, North Yorkshire)

British Empire Medal

BEM

Miss Katie Elizabeth Cutler. For services to Fundraising in the community in Gateshead. (Gateshead)

James Montgomery. Club Ambassador Sunderland Association Football Club. For services to Football. (Sunderland)

Mrs Veena Soni. Head, Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service, Gateshead Council. For services to the community in Tyne and Wear. (Newcastle)

Mrs Olga Daisy Bainbridge, JP. For services to the community in Shildon, Durham. (Shildon, Durham)

Mrs Doris Mary Jones. Councillor, Darlington Borough Council and Chair, Middleton St. George Parish Council. For services to the community in County Durham. (Darlington)

George Alfred Carter. For services to the community in Stokesley North Yorkshire. (Stokesley, North Yorkshire)

Andrew Richard George Dow. For services to Railway Heritage. (York)

Mrs Joyce Gee. For services to Children and Young People with Special Needs through The Deanne Gee Memorial Fund in York. (York)

Mrs Bridget Rosemary Marshall. Yorkshire County Organiser, National Gardens Scheme. For services to charitable fundraising. (York)

Andrew Stephen Wood. Executive Chef University of York. For services to Higher Education and University Catering. (York)

Knights Bachelor

Gary Keith Verity. Chief executive Welcome to Yorkshire. For services to Tourism and the Tour De France Grand Depart 2014. (North Yorkshire)

Queen's Fire Service Medal

QFSM

Nigel Mark Hutchinson. Chief Fire Officer North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. (North Yorkshire)