Queen’s New Year honours recipients welcomed by Solihull Mayor

This week the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mike Robinson, met with residents of Solihull who received honours from the Queen this New Year.

In recognition of their achievements, the recipients and their guests were greeted by the Mayor and Mayoress on the 13th and 14th March and enjoyed afternoon tea in the Mayor’s Parlour.

Councillor Bob Sleigh, Leader of Solihull Council, was awarded an OBE for services to the community in Solihull and the West Midlands. As an outstanding Leader of Solihull Council he has also been a driving force in developing the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Joyce Rothschild was awarded a BEM for services to cancer fundraising, education and the Jewish community for her dedicated and on-going fundraising and volunteering. This includes raising over £100,000 for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and her role as a Community Champion within the Jewish faith.

Stephen Maddock, Chief Executive of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, was awarded an OBE for services to arts in Birmingham and internationally. In his service at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, he has led artistic excellence, expanded its impact within the community and strengthened its financial position.

An MBE was awarded to Peter Adams for services to the community in Hampton-in-Arden where, as Chairman for the George Fentham Charity Trust, he has enriched the opportunities available for young and older residents alike.

Shezad Nawab, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Sfhere, was awarded an MBE for services to business and diversity. Not only has he been a successful businessman, he has also played an active role in supporting local start-up businesses and has been listed as one of the most influential disabled people in business.

Andrew Yates has been awarded the BEM for services to sailing in the Solihull borough. Andrew is an outstanding ambassador for sailing and has made sailing accessible to people of all ages and to those with disabilities.

Malcolm Stent has been awarded a BEM for services to the entertainment industry. Malcolm has used profits made from his pantomimes to fund a variety of other shows, both locally and further afield, and has regularly performed free of charge to support many charities, raising in excess of £150,000.

A BEM was awarded to Colin Bell for services to charity in the Solihull borough. Colin has raised thousands of pounds over the last 25 years for many charities and has provided musical therapy to people living with illness or disability.

After meeting the recipients, the Mayor said: “As a borough, we can be incredibly proud to have people who have given so much to our society.

“Meeting them has given me a chance to learn first-hand about both their wonderful experiences and their achievements which has been truly fascinating.

“It is clear to me that they are all worthy candidates for their respective awards, and I hope they will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

* Photo (top) left to right: Malcolm Stent BEM, Jean Stent, Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Mike Robinson and Mayoress, Mrs Jenny Robinson, Leader of Solihull Council, Cllr Bob Sleigh OBE, Julia Bell and Colin Bell BEM. (bottom) left to right: Shezad Nawad MBE, Stephen Maddock OBE, Mayoress, Mayor, Joyce Rothschild BEM, Peter Adams MBE and Andrew Yates BEM.

Read more: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/ArtMID/820/ArticleID/1637/Queen’s-New-Year-honours-recipients-welcomed-by-the-Mayor