Saturday 11 June 2011

honour

I didn't get the blog written yesterday (sorry!). By the time I got back from after school club and had something to eat, it was time to go out to a quiz night, which was a lot of fun and a good fund-raiser. We learned a few things (like how little we know about adverts) and finished a close fourth out of eleven, which I think was defeat with honour. (Or 'honor' if you live in the US.)

Which brings me to the Queen's Birthday Honours List. The queen has an official birthday round about the anniversary of her coronation, when a lot of Honours are dished out. Good to see that a children's author has been awarded the MBE - the brilliant Julia Donaldson, of the Gruffalo and so much more. The inimitable Kate Atkinson was honoured, too.

The Honours system has changed recently, and nominations are made for people who just get on with things. Volunteers, people who quietly and faithfully do a good job year after year, people who inspire and slog can be awarded an honour. I know a delightful story of a 'mother hen' dinner lady who did a great job welcoming immigrant and refugee children who didn't speak English, taking them under her wing, and helping them to find their feet. She was astonished to be awarded an OBE, and thoroughly deserved it. I believe the children all emerged speaking English with a perfect Geordie accent.

I know a few people who deserve a medal. Who would you honour?

2 comments:

Heather said...

You! Most definitely!

margaret mcallister said...

How lovely of you! Thank you!