READING WEST MP Alok Sharma has been knighted in the King’s first New Year’s honours list.
The honour has been given to him for chairing the COP26 conference, and helping create an historic agreement from attending countries that will help tackle the climate emergency.
Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service, said: “I congratulate everyone receiving an honour and thank them for their hard work and years of service. The UK’s impact around the world depends on exceptional people like those recognised in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours list.
“I am grateful for their outstanding contribution.”
In all, there are 1,107 people who have received an award in this year’s list, and nearly two-thirds of them are awarded for outstanding work in their communities in either a voluntary or charitable capacity.
Professor Paul Glaister, from the University of Reading’s mathematics department, was given a CBE for services to education.
Reading-born Helen Belcher was awarded an OBE for services to the transgender community. She is a trustee of Trans Media Watch, a director for Transactual, and a councillor for Wiltshire.
Laywer Dr Ann Olivarius, who is based in Reading, has been given an OBE for services to justice to women and equality.
An MBE has been awarded to Robert Austen from Wargrave for his services to the community, which include organising community walks and chairing The Piggott Trust and helping the village churches.
Mary Davies, who stepped down as the chief executive officer of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, which runs several schools in the area, also received an MBE. This was given for her services to education.
Reading-based Erica Tipton has been awarded an MBE for her charity and community work in Newbury, which has included chairing the Newbury branch of Macmillan Cancer Support, and working with various health boards.
Some Henley-based people have also received honours.
Dr Richard Fortey, a senior palawontologist at the Natural History Museum, received an OBE for their work in palaeontology and geology.
Dr Krish Kandiah received an OBE for services to refugee integration. He is the founder of The Sanctuary Foundation, and has regularly spoken in Reading churches about issues such as adoption and social justice.
Michael Williams is the treasurer of the World Rowing association, and board member for British Rowing. His OBE is for services to the sport.
And Detective Inspector Tina Wallace, from Thames Valley Police, was awarded a Kings Police Medal for her work in the force.
