Reading stalwarts recognised in New Years honours list 2017

In total five Reading stalwarts have been named in the latest honours list alongside household names including Victoria Beckham and Mo Farah.

Rodney Philip Huggins, chair of The Reading Foundation and alumna of Reading Schools has been made a MBE.

He has been chair of the trustees since 2006 and was given his award for services to Reading’s community.

The trust owns the school site and works to enhance public education.

Mr Huggins is a founding member of the Rotary Club of Loddon Vale. He was President in 1979/80 before moving on to become District Treasurer, District Vice-Chairman and Conference Chairman.

Daniel Brown was also awarded a MBE for services to rowing. The 34-year-old won a gold medal at the Rio Paralympics and became a double World Champion.

Professor Rosiland Jessie Richards, head of the International Study and Language Institute at the University of Reading was made an OBE for services to Language and supporting International education.

Pamela Reynolds who volunteers to help the integration of Gurkha families in Reading was awarded a British Empire Medal for her service and dedication.

She has helped hundreds of Nepalese women learn English and integrate into their new lives in the UK.

She works with the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association's (SSAFA), Reading Ex British Gurkha Association (REBGA) and Forgotten British Gurkha charities.

Kathleen Slack, director of Enterprise M3, Local Enterprise Partnership was recognised for her services to the economy and community in the South East. She was awarded an OBE for her work.

In total 1,047 people have been given honours, including 322 British Empire Medals, 503 MBE’s and 222 OBEs.

Nearly three quarters of recipients work in their community in a paid or voluntary capacity.

Other award winners include Victoria Beckham, who was awarded an OBE for services to fashion as well as knighthoods for Olympians Mo Farah and Andy Murray.