Julian Knight MP has written to six members of the local community to congratulate them on having their achievements and contributions to Solihull recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
The awards covered many areas of life, from business and music to charities and children. Five were appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, five as Members (MBE) and one as an Officer (OBE), and the sixth received the British Empire Medal.
The recipients were:
- Dr The Right Reverend David Carr: Senior Pastor of the Renewal Christian Centre, awarded an OBE for services to the community in Solihull.
- Andrew Cole: Centre Manager at Touchwood Shopping Centre, awarded an MBE for services to the retail business sector and charities in Solihull.
- Bernadette Dornan: Formerly an Independent Reviewing Officer for Birmingham City Council, awarded an MBE for services to children and families.
- Peter Hogarth: A councillor on Solihull Borough Council, awarded an MBE for services to the community in Solihull and Birmingham.
- Francella Ruby Turner: A soul and R&B singer, awarded an MBE for services to music.
- Mary Trow: Secretary and then Treasurer of the Solihull Gymnastics Club, awarded the British Empire Medal for services to gymnastics.
Commenting on the awards, Julian Knight said:
“One of the things that has most impressed me about Solihull since I was elected is the extraordinary level of public spirit and community activism that residents display.
“Being an MP brings me into contact with amazing individuals and groups on an almost weekly basis, and I’m not in the least surprised that six members of our community have had their contributions recognised in the Birthday Honours.
“They all have my sincere congratulations – as too do those members of the wider Solihull community beyond my constituency who have also been honoured. They can all be very proud of what they have accomplished.”