New Year’s Honours: local residents appointed to Order of British Empire for outstanding services

Four extraordinary Rochdale borough residents have been named on the 2019 New Year’s Honours list, recognised by the Queen for their outstanding achievements across a range of services.

The honours list, published twice a year, consists of knights and dames, appointments to the Order of the British Empire and gallantry awards to servicemen and women, and civilians.

The ranks of appointment to the Order are Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE) and Member (MBE).

British Empire Medals are also awarded to community volunteers.

The latest list, published on Saturday 29 December, names a headteacher from Rochdale as receiving an OBE, two further residents receiving MBEs, and a fourth resident receiving a BEM.

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Mary Sheila Isherwood, Headteacher of Camberwell Park School in Manchester, was named amongst those receiving a prestigious OBE for her services to children and young people with special educational needs.

Members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Rachel Pilling, Head of Safeguarding at the Manchester College, was awarded an MBE for her services to further education and safeguarding.

Andrew Raymond Walker was awarded an MBE for his services to people with disabilities.

British Empire Medal (BEM)

Dorothy Brierley, Vice Chairman of Rochdale Childer, was named for her services to children in the borough.