Latest news with #HonoursList
South China Morning Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Medical excellence to Olympic glory: Hong Kong honours outstanding contributions
A former chairman of Hong Kong's Hospital Authority, a media mogul and a business leader have been awarded the city's highest honour this year, while Olympic gold medal fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai was also recognised for her sporting achievements. Advertisement Two Hongkongers who helped save residents from a deadly fire were also among the 427 individuals recognised on the 2025 Honours List on Tuesday for their contributions to society. Also honoured were a Hong Kong rescue team that had been deployed to Myanmar after a devastating quake earlier this year, and the city's justice minister and nine officers for their contributions to safeguarding national security. The top-tier Grand Bauhinia Medal was awarded to former Hospital Authority chairman John Leong Chi-yan, Charles Yeung Chun-kam, honorary lifetime chairman of the city's Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, and Hong Kong Economic Times founder Lawrence Fung Siu-por. The government highlighted Leong's 50-year career spanning teaching, academic research and administration as part of his 'lifelong and sterling contributions' to Hong Kong. Advertisement Yeung, meanwhile, was recognised for promoting economic collaboration between Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as for his contributions to philanthropic causes. '[Yeung] is committed to promoting economic collaboration between Hong Kong and the mainland, bringing together the business community and providing valuable experience for enterprises in Hong Kong to expand into the mainland market, thereby making crucial contributions to the economic development of Hong Kong,' the government said.
The Advertiser
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Monty Python's Black Knight doesn't want a knighthood
John Cleese would refuse a knighthood if he were offered the British honour. The Monty Python star - who played the Black Knight in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail - previously turned down the offer of a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and a peerage. Cleese is adamant that if King Charles selected him for the most prestigious accolade to make him "Sir John Cleese", he would say no to the title because he does not need or want the validation. "I would. I simply don't need that sort of validation," Cleese said, asked if he would turn down a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List. "It's enough for me to know - because people often tell me - that I've helped them through difficult times by making them laugh. "They come home, turn on an episode of Fawlty Towers, and the world doesn't seem quite so bleak. That's my reward. "Frankly, I think those things are rather silly." Cleese's fellow Monty Python troupe member Michael Palin accepted a knighthood and although Cleese was not interested in receiving one himself, he was happy for his long-time friend. "Good luck to him," Cleese said in an interview with Candis magazine. "I was genuinely pleased. I call him Sir Mickey: that's how I always address my emails to him. He's a lovely guy." The late rock star David Bowie and The History Boys writer Alan Bennett famously turned down knighthoods. "Just look at those men who have turned down awards and titles: David Bowie, Michael Frayn, Alan Bennett and Albert Finney," Cleese said. "I have respect for them." Cleese admits his political beliefs are still on the left when it comes to the distribution of wealth, despite him presenting a show on the right-wing TV channel GB News. "I'm more to the left economically," he said. "I think greed is in danger of killing everyone. "People should be paid good salaries, where possible. We should be generous, not try to save money so billionaires can get richer." The Life of Brian actor also wishes the world would lighten up and enjoy more "good old-fashioned laughter". "I think we need much more laughter in the world," he said. "I'm not advocating mean-teasing - just good old-fashioned laughter. "There's nothing to beat it." John Cleese would refuse a knighthood if he were offered the British honour. The Monty Python star - who played the Black Knight in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail - previously turned down the offer of a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and a peerage. Cleese is adamant that if King Charles selected him for the most prestigious accolade to make him "Sir John Cleese", he would say no to the title because he does not need or want the validation. "I would. I simply don't need that sort of validation," Cleese said, asked if he would turn down a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List. "It's enough for me to know - because people often tell me - that I've helped them through difficult times by making them laugh. "They come home, turn on an episode of Fawlty Towers, and the world doesn't seem quite so bleak. That's my reward. "Frankly, I think those things are rather silly." Cleese's fellow Monty Python troupe member Michael Palin accepted a knighthood and although Cleese was not interested in receiving one himself, he was happy for his long-time friend. "Good luck to him," Cleese said in an interview with Candis magazine. "I was genuinely pleased. I call him Sir Mickey: that's how I always address my emails to him. He's a lovely guy." The late rock star David Bowie and The History Boys writer Alan Bennett famously turned down knighthoods. "Just look at those men who have turned down awards and titles: David Bowie, Michael Frayn, Alan Bennett and Albert Finney," Cleese said. "I have respect for them." Cleese admits his political beliefs are still on the left when it comes to the distribution of wealth, despite him presenting a show on the right-wing TV channel GB News. "I'm more to the left economically," he said. "I think greed is in danger of killing everyone. "People should be paid good salaries, where possible. We should be generous, not try to save money so billionaires can get richer." The Life of Brian actor also wishes the world would lighten up and enjoy more "good old-fashioned laughter". "I think we need much more laughter in the world," he said. "I'm not advocating mean-teasing - just good old-fashioned laughter. "There's nothing to beat it." John Cleese would refuse a knighthood if he were offered the British honour. The Monty Python star - who played the Black Knight in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail - previously turned down the offer of a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and a peerage. Cleese is adamant that if King Charles selected him for the most prestigious accolade to make him "Sir John Cleese", he would say no to the title because he does not need or want the validation. "I would. I simply don't need that sort of validation," Cleese said, asked if he would turn down a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List. "It's enough for me to know - because people often tell me - that I've helped them through difficult times by making them laugh. "They come home, turn on an episode of Fawlty Towers, and the world doesn't seem quite so bleak. That's my reward. "Frankly, I think those things are rather silly." Cleese's fellow Monty Python troupe member Michael Palin accepted a knighthood and although Cleese was not interested in receiving one himself, he was happy for his long-time friend. "Good luck to him," Cleese said in an interview with Candis magazine. "I was genuinely pleased. I call him Sir Mickey: that's how I always address my emails to him. He's a lovely guy." The late rock star David Bowie and The History Boys writer Alan Bennett famously turned down knighthoods. "Just look at those men who have turned down awards and titles: David Bowie, Michael Frayn, Alan Bennett and Albert Finney," Cleese said. "I have respect for them." Cleese admits his political beliefs are still on the left when it comes to the distribution of wealth, despite him presenting a show on the right-wing TV channel GB News. "I'm more to the left economically," he said. "I think greed is in danger of killing everyone. "People should be paid good salaries, where possible. We should be generous, not try to save money so billionaires can get richer." The Life of Brian actor also wishes the world would lighten up and enjoy more "good old-fashioned laughter". "I think we need much more laughter in the world," he said. "I'm not advocating mean-teasing - just good old-fashioned laughter. "There's nothing to beat it." John Cleese would refuse a knighthood if he were offered the British honour. The Monty Python star - who played the Black Knight in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail - previously turned down the offer of a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and a peerage. Cleese is adamant that if King Charles selected him for the most prestigious accolade to make him "Sir John Cleese", he would say no to the title because he does not need or want the validation. "I would. I simply don't need that sort of validation," Cleese said, asked if he would turn down a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List. "It's enough for me to know - because people often tell me - that I've helped them through difficult times by making them laugh. "They come home, turn on an episode of Fawlty Towers, and the world doesn't seem quite so bleak. That's my reward. "Frankly, I think those things are rather silly." Cleese's fellow Monty Python troupe member Michael Palin accepted a knighthood and although Cleese was not interested in receiving one himself, he was happy for his long-time friend. "Good luck to him," Cleese said in an interview with Candis magazine. "I was genuinely pleased. I call him Sir Mickey: that's how I always address my emails to him. He's a lovely guy." The late rock star David Bowie and The History Boys writer Alan Bennett famously turned down knighthoods. "Just look at those men who have turned down awards and titles: David Bowie, Michael Frayn, Alan Bennett and Albert Finney," Cleese said. "I have respect for them." Cleese admits his political beliefs are still on the left when it comes to the distribution of wealth, despite him presenting a show on the right-wing TV channel GB News. "I'm more to the left economically," he said. "I think greed is in danger of killing everyone. "People should be paid good salaries, where possible. We should be generous, not try to save money so billionaires can get richer." The Life of Brian actor also wishes the world would lighten up and enjoy more "good old-fashioned laughter". "I think we need much more laughter in the world," he said. "I'm not advocating mean-teasing - just good old-fashioned laughter. "There's nothing to beat it."
Perth Now
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
'Frankly, I think those things are rather silly...' Monty Python legend John Cleese not interested in a knighthood
John Cleese would refuse a knighthood if he was offered the British honour. The Monty Python star previously turned down the offer of a CBE and a peerage and he is adamant that if the Honours Committee and King Charles selected him for the most prestigious accolade and make him "Sir John Cleese" he would say no to the title because he doesn't need, nor want, the validation. When asked if he would turn down a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List, he said: 'I would. I simply don't need that sort of validation. "It's enough for me to know - because people often tell me - that I've helped them through difficult times by making them laugh. They come home, turn on an episode of Fawlty Towers and the world doesn't seem quite so bleak. That's my reward. "Frankly, I think those things are rather silly. Cleese's fellow Monty Python troupe member Michael Palin did accept his knighthood and although he isn't interested in receiving he accolade the Fawlty Towers actor was happy for his long-time friend. In an interview with Candis magazine, Cleese said: 'Good luck to him. I was genuinely pleased. I call him Sir Mickey: that's how I always address my emails to him, He's a lovely guy.' Cleese, 85, is proud to be in an exclusive club of men who did snub a knighthood, a list which includes late rock star David Bowie and The History Boys writer Alan Bennett, 91. The comedian said: "Just look at those men who have turned down awards and titles: David Bowie, Michael Frayn, Alan Bennett and Albert Finney. I have respect for them.' Cleese admits his political beliefs are still on the left when it comes to the distribution of wealth, despite him presenting a show on right wing TV channel GB News. He said: "I'm more to the left economically. I think greed is in danger of killing everyone. "People should be paid good salaries, where possible. We should be generous, not try to save money so billionaires can get richer.' The Life of Brian actor also wishes the world would lighten up and enjoy more "good old-fashioned laughter". Cleese added: "I think we need much more laughter in the world. I'm not advocating mean teasing. Just good old-fashioned laughter. There's nothing to beat it.'
Daily Record
16-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Dame Helen Mirren needed lift from Dobbies...so I took her shopping for some luxury cashmere, says MBE recipient Margarette Bryan
Margarette Bryan has been recognised in the latest King's Honours List. She once picked up Dame Helen Mirren from the local garden centre for a shopping trip with a difference. Now retail queen Margarette Bryan is set to collect her own glittering prize after being handed a gong in the latest King's Birthday Honours List. Margarette, who spent almost 30 years as sales boss at luxury cashmere firm Alex Begg and Co, regularly welcomed star names to her factory in Ayr's Viewfield Road. And after devoting decades to the industry she loved, she has been recognised with an MBE for services to the retail sector in Scotland. Margarette, who also spent 27 years as a driving force on the committee of Ayrshire Business Women, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled - it's a huge honour. "The business world has changed a lot since I started out with High Streets hurting, but one thing that will never change is the demand for good customer service. People buy into people. "I fully believe that good customer service is coming back. Online reviews drive that demand for standards. And councils need to see there are great opportunites with youngsters coming out of college who are keen to make a difference." Margarette was a highly respected figure at Begg and Co, where she dealt with some A-list clients down the years. She revealed: "One of the best stories was when when I got a call to say Helen Mirren, who was staying at Turnberry, was up at Dobbies buying plants. "She needed a lift to come over to the factory for a look around so I went and got her. She wasn't sure how she'd get back to Turnberry, so I the coast road is lovely, I'll take you back down the road! "We were fortunate to get a lot of visitors like that down the years. The legendary golfer, Arnold Palmer, was another good customer who I had the pleasure of dealing with. It was a fantastic place to work." Margarette has spent much of her time down the years advising and mentoring businesses, working with staff and providing motivational training. She has been a passionate ambassador for women in business, stepping down earlier this year from the committee of Ayrshire Business Women after 27 years of dedicated support to others in the region as well as working internationally. She has also been a non-executive director at Ayrshire College where she spent more than five years on the board and has lobbied at the Scottish Parliament with Scottish Enterprise for the Scottish textiles industry. Throughout her career, Margarette has worked on projects from the UK to America and Spain. Also receiving MBEs in the Honours List were Dalry's Anne Cadman, an administrator for the Scottish Ambulance Service, for services to healthcare in remote and rural areas. Kilmarnock's Paula Daly, a Mission Area Officer for southwest scotland, is being honoured for her work with the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen for services to fishermen and their families.
Daily Record
14-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Hero Scots cancer nurse awarded MBE in King's Birthday Honours
She said: "This news was completely unexpected, however it is a wonderful surprise and I feel truly honoured." A cancer nurse who became a pioneer of her profession has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List. Dr Cathy Hutchison, a Consultant Nurse at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. She received the recognition after becoming the first Consultant Nurse for cancer in Scotland, and went on to become the country's first Doctor of Nursing. Cathy was named on the Honours List, which recognises people who have made achievements in public life and or committed themselves to serving and helping the UK, for her services to cancer nursing. Last night on June 13, Cathy told how she was 'shocked and overwhelmed' by the award, but stressed that it should recognise the dedication shown by the Beatson team to patients and services across the west of Scotland. She said: "This news was completely unexpected, however it is a wonderful surprise and I feel truly honoured. "I am mindful that I play a part in a much bigger team that delivers cancer care to people across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the west of Scotland. We all strive to do our best every day for our patients and services. "This MBE is recognition of the hard work and dedication carried out by our whole multidisciplinary team." Cathy trained as a Registered Nurse at Glasgow Royal Infirmary between 1984 and 1987 and has specialised in cancer care since 1988 in a variety of settings including the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, Peter McCallum Cancer Institute in Melbourne and at the Beatson in Glasgow. She previously worked in research roles involved in all aspects of cancer clinical trials, with a focus on safety and side effects of treatments. She was appointed as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Cancer Consultant Nurse in 2001, which is a leadership position for cancer nursing at a local, regional and national level. Professor Angela Wallace, Executive Director of Nursing for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: 'I am so pleased that Cathy's incredible dedication to cancer nursing has been recognised in this way. "She has been a true pioneer of her profession, becoming Scotland's first Consultant Nurse for cancer and Doctor of Nursing, and has worked across research, care and treatment for almost four decades. 'I'd like to congratulate and thank Cathy for the amazing support she has shown, and continues to show, to patients with cancer, their families, and her colleagues throughout her impressive career.' A Scots urban search and rescue specialist and an on call firefighter have also been named in the King's Birthday Honours. Watch Commander John Aitchison and Volunteer Leader Gerry Ralston will each receive a King's Fire Service Medal. Watch Commander Aitchison has dedicated much of his time to international humanitarian work. Following the catastrophic 2015 earthquake in Nepal, he committed himself to supporting Nepalese fire and rescue services, enhancing firefighting capabilities through training local responders. John, originally from Corpach near Fort William, has personally trained hundreds of firefighters, delivered essential firefighting equipment. Working in partnership with the Fire Aid and International Development on the Nepal project, he was instrumental in founding Everest Fire and Rescue, the official emergency service of the Everest region of Nepal. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. While, Gerry Ralston has served the community of Salen, on the Isle of Mull, since 1988. From the moment he picked up his helmet for the first time, Gerry has embraced everything connected with firefighter life. The 60-year-old is hugely passionate about community engagement and spearheads several key educational efforts across the Isle of Mull. He is also integral in the recruitment and development of on call firefighters across the area. Gerry, who now serves as a Volunteer Leader, balances responding to emergencies via a pager with work in the SFRS Community Action Team, family life and running a hotel business. Commenting on his recent royal recognition, a delighted Gerry said: "I'm quite taken aback by the news, I'm delighted. 'Helping my community is why I started as a firefighter, and it's why I keep going. There are eight of us on my Watch, and we've all been together for a long time. "There are times responding to shouts can be challenging, but I know how important this kind of work is for rural communities.'
