Forum Topic

The Honours System

I wondered if anyone had ever put someone forward for an Honour from the Queen?  I did think about putting someone’s name forward a few years ago, but as they had retired from their post for which they deserved the award, then it didn’t seem possible to proceed. If anyone deserved an award it was Maureen Dingle, see Barbara’s post.  She truly served the local community.

Martine Guy ● 1711d8 Comments

Agree, Sue, and let’s not forget celebrities.   

Martine Guy ● 1711d

Yes Martine you are right and it is very complicated for 'ordinary' people to be awarded, and the process can take several years. However cronies of the PM (all parties), highly paid civil servants and wealthy businessmen/women get honoured at the drop of a hat. Westminster and Whitehall are stuffed full of them. And don't get me started on the HoL.

Sue Hammond ● 1711d

Sue, I think it’s too late now, unfortunately.  Maureen deserved community recognition and I wish I had done something.  I think people don’t understand The Honours process and it should be made easier for ordinary members of the public to put extraordinary members of the public, like Maureen, forward for an Honour.

Martine Guy ● 1711d

Sue, I think it’s too late now, unfortunately.  Maureen deserved community recognition and I wish I had done something.  I think people don’t understand The Honours process and it should be made easier for ordinary members of the public to put extraordinary members of the public, like Maureen, forward for an Honour.

Martine Guy ● 1711d

Martine if you started the process I am sure there are advocates from both Putney and Wimbledon RSPCA centres who would also get involved.

Sue Hammond ● 1711d

Agree Martine, I didn't realize Maureen also helped at Wimbledon as well, Maureen obviously loved being busy and helping.

Barbara Stevens ● 1711d

Thanks for the reply, Ivonne. It seems to me, as an ordinary member of the public, that it is a little daunting to put someone forward.  Obstacles can occur, such as you mention moving away from an area.  Yet there are people in our community who selflessly make it a better place to live and richly deserve an award.  They are usually the most humble and take no reward at all for what they do.  I think it should be made clearer and easier to put people forward for an award.

Martine Guy ● 1711d

Hello Martine,Some time ago (some 20 years) I started the process but the person moved away from the area so it was not completed, unfortunately.Check this website:  https://www.gov.uk/honoursFrom memory, they send you an application form (now perhaps upgraded to online?).  You have to complete it (must have the date of birth of the person you are nominating), explain the reasons why you are doing so.  The nomination must be seconded by somebody else, but cannot remember if it was one or more secondees required.

Ivonne Holliday ● 1711d