As Ben stokes the Honours List and Nadiya cooks up an MBE, it's time to celebrate all things British!
Even though my own new year’s list of predictable (and rarely kept) resolutions is looming over me, this is still a frontrunner as my favourite time of year. I love scrolling through the List, recognising many household names, as well as those I’ve learned about in the past couple of years. Congratulations to you all!
Again, it’s particularly uplifting to see individuals recognised for their diverse contributions to the world of sport. This year an inspiring group of young women have excelled - Jill Scott was awarded an MBE for services to Women's Football, Gabby Logan an MBE for services to Sports Broadcasting, and Jade Jones an OBE for her services to Taekwondo. Of course, we mustn’t forget England's World Cup hero, Ben Stokes who has been awarded an OBE for his services to Cricket.
However, as I’m a huge fan of the brave contestants and their mind-boggling creations on The Great British Bake Off, one particular accolade grabbed my attention. This year the programme has provided its own platform for greatness as the 2015 winner Nadiya Hussain has been awarded an MBE for services to Broadcasting and the Culinary Arts. Nadiya has proved to be an amazing role model for our younger generation declaring: “I am a Mamma and a maker; I am a wife and a weigher of flour; I am a builder of Lego and baker of cake; I am a family woman and a family cook!”
Her newly published book Finding my Voice addresses her gender, culture, religion and society and how they have each shaped the woman she is today. Her recognition mirrors the Prime Minister’s requests this year for the honours committee to support children in achieving their potential, enhancing their life opportunities, removing barriers to success and working to tackle discrimination.
Without a doubt I feel incredibly proud to be British as I read through the names of the extraordinary people who have made the List. And it’s not all about those who are in the public eye. The Queen’s Medal this year went to Christopher Jewell and Jason Mallinson for their remarkable efforts during the rescue of 12 junior footballers and their coach, trapped in a cave in Thailand. A stark reminder of how incredibly fragile life is, and just how brave people can be in the most dangerous situations.
On reflection, I think we can all agree these past three years have been a trial for just about everyone in Britain. No matter what your political stance, at times it has been utterly exhausting to be caught up in such political turmoil. Now, more than ever, to raise our glasses and celebrate some of the most deserving among us can only help to bring about a more positive and inclusive society. As I put the Honours List aside to concentrate on my own, I feel truly inspired to face another year. Best wishes to everyone. Let's bring on the 20s!