[erinp5]

http://news.sky.com/story/1188665/ne...n-overtake-men

More women than men have been named in the New Year Honours List for the first time ever.

Actress Penelope Keith is made a dame along with Professor Julia Slingo, chief scientist at the Met Office, and Professor Susan Bailey, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Singer Katherine Jenkins, actress Lynda Bellingham and Arsenal Ladies footballer Rachel Yankey all receive OBEs, while businesswoman Karren Brady gets a CBE.

In all, 611 women are honoured, accounting for 51% of the list, the highest total since the Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917.

Keith said she was "elated, exhausted and thrilled."

The 73-year-old, known for her crisp diction and roles in sitcoms such as To The Manor Born and The Good Life, receives her honour for services to the arts and to charity.

She said: "It's the big one. I had already got an OBE and then a CBE, so I don't know what is better than the icing on the cake - but this is."

Former England footballer David Beckham and Wimbledon winner Andy Murray had both been tipped for knighthoods but both missed out.

Marcus Setchell, the doctor who oversaw the safe delivery of Prince George, is recognised for his work caring for the Duchess of Cambridge.

Actor Michael Crawford, who played Frank Spencer in 1970s sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, said his CBE for services to children's charities was "the most wonderful surprise".

The parents of murdered teenager Jimmy Mizen were given MBEs for their work setting up a foundation in their son's memory.

Mother Margaret Mizen told Sky News that she heard about the award in November but had to keep it secret.

"I just couldn't believe it I was in total shock," she said.

"We were determined not to be beaten by what happened.

"We go into schools and prisons and we share Jimmy's story but we don't go in telling them what to do, to put their knives down or put their guns down ... but we tell them how special they are."

Julie Bailey, who led the campaign to highlight the scandal at Stafford hospital, dedicated her CBE to her late mother Bella.

She told Sky News: "We haven't let powerful people silence us and brush it under the carpet we have just kept our heads down and kept going with dignity and respect."

MBEs have also been awarded to DJ Pete Tong, Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud and 90-year-old Bettina Dawson, who has been serving fish and chips to the people of Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway since 1928.

[erinp5]

It's all gone Pete Tong.
Occupation: DJ

Honour: MBE for services to broadcasting and music

Quote: "It's great to receive this honour for being a DJ. I'm proud that it acknowledges a profession that I care about a great deal, and one that's made a huge impact around the world... This wouldn't have happened without so many great tunes."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25550631

[Marc]

I've edited the article into the OP.. cos people cba to click and read

[King Gizzard]

Does it seem to anyone else that alot of these are just for famous people that get old

[erinp5]

Originally Posted by Marc

I've edited the article into the OP.. cos people cba to click and read

Cheers .It took my a moment to work out what cba meant

[MTVN]

These things get more of a joke every year

[Ammi]

..Kevin McCloud.....

[erinp5]

Originally Posted by MTVN

These things get more of a joke every year

I agree, utter nonsense.
Why are people surprised that Beckham and Murray were not honoured? one plays football and the other tennis...big deal .

[Marc]

No Murray

[Amy Jade]

They should scrap this and use the money towards hospitals or something.

[Benjamin]

Penelope Keith

[erinp5]

New Year Honours 2014: Three MPs criticised over expenses given knighthoods

Three MPs who have been criticised over their use of the Parliamentary expenses system are knighted in the New Year Honours List
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/...s_2777679b.jpg

[fingers]

There are still a couple in prison, they should be alright for the next Birthday Honours list then

[smudgie]

Really pleased for Lynda Bellingham and Kevin McCloud.

[fingers]

Originally Posted by Benjamin

Penelope Keith

Dame Penelope, that suits her perfectly!

[erinp5]

Christopher Hope ‏@christopherhope 29 Dec

Blow to Cameron as Karren Brady effectively rules herself out of elected public life, despite Tory wooing. More here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/poli...on-Mayor..html …

[Drew.]

Really!?

[erinp5]

Originally Posted by fingers

There are still a couple in prison, they should be alright for the next Birthday Honours list then

I would laugh but you are probably right

[Drew.]

Becks should be on there

[erinp5]

Originally Posted by Drew.

Really!?

FA chairman. never heard of him until I saw the list.

[Shaun]

Dame Angela Lansbury

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by MTVN

These things get more of a joke every year

Absolutely right, a right farce in my view.

[fingers]

Originally Posted by Shaun

Dame Angela Lansbury

Gawd awmighty, that old trout, is she even/still British?

[Brother Leon]

[arista]

Originally Posted by Marc

No Murray

No the SNP would use it