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Michael Nyman |
CBE for composer with screen credits
Town Hall boss and ‘respect tsar’ on honours lis
AS a music critic, lecturer, writer and composer Michael Nyman is rarely lost for words, or melodious sounds.
But the Islington maestro, who scored the soundtrack to The Piano and the films of Peter Greenaway, confessed his surprise this week when he was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his services to music.
Speaking to the Tribune from Mexico, where he is on holiday, the 64-year-old composer said: “I suppose it acknowledges a certain impact I’ve had on musical life in the UK and elsewhere, for lasting as long as I have done in a curious position in British musical culture.”
Mr Nyman’s “curious position” ranges from the world of modern classical music to the scores of award-winning films and the written word.
Islington’s new chief executive, John Foster, was also included in the honours list.
Mr Foster, who becomes a CBE in recognition of his 40-year service to local government, grew up in care in Middlesbrough. He is now one of the highest paid council officers in the country, earning more than the Prime Minister.
He took over from Islington chief executive Helen Bailey earlier this month, after helping transform Wakefield District Council from “poor” to “good”.
Mr Foster said of his CBE: “I was obviously very pleased but more than anything I am delighted this is further recognition for local government, which has a huge positive influence on so many people’s lives.”
In central government, the “respect tsar” Louise Casey, who lives in Islington, is made a Companion of the Order of the Bath for public service.
Ms Casey, head of the Home Office anti-social behaviour unit and a staunch supporter of Asbos, has courted controversy in the past with her comment that ministers would perform their duties better if they turned up to work “pissed”.
Dr Yvonne Burne, former head of City of London School for Girls who retired last year, and Holloway resident Giles Bird, headteacher at Kingsmead School in Enfield, each received an OBE for services to education.
Roger Smith, director of Justice, becomes OBE for services to human rights. Mr Smith, 59, of Archibald Road in Tufnell Park, has been director for six-and-a-half years.
Carolyn McCall, chief executive of the Guardian Media Group, who lives in Finsbury, received an OBE for services to women in business.
Jacqueline Ross, head of the population management unit at the National Offender Management Service, which comes under the Ministry of Justice, was made MBE. She lives in Finsbury Park.
Her fellow Ministry of Justice employee, Elizabeth Hogarth, who also lives in Finsbury Park, received an OBE. Ms Hogarth is head of the women’s policy team for the Criminal Justice Group.
Virginia Bovell, who lives in Stroud Green, received an OBE for voluntary service to autistic children.
The director of the UK branch of the Inter Faith Network, Dr Harriet Crabtree, from Archway, gained an OBE for services to community relations.
Islington professor Irene Higginson, who oversees palliative care and policy for Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ School of Medicine at King’s College London, receives an OBE for services to medicine.
Jane Paul, of Finsbury, was given an OBE for services to the accounting profession. |
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