King’s Birthday Honors List: Pioneers of Cornwall are featured

The man who put Cornwall on the space map, a games teacher, a veteran volunteer and a post mistress are among the people from Cornwall to be recognized in the King’s birthday honors list.

Ian Jones, founder of Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd on the Lizard Peninsula, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his service to space communications. Professor Tanya Krzywinska, from Falmouth University, received an MBE for services to higher education and the video games industry, while Sharron Adams, manager of the Covid-19 Children’s Home, also received an MBE for services to children and young people with disabilities.

They are among a dozen people from the county to receive a gong in this year’s King’s Day honors list. They join Post Office campaigner Alan Bates, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and artist Tracey Emin, who are among the famous British figures to be knighted and dammed.

Read more: Cornwall nurse awarded MBE for services to nursing dedicates to her late mother

Read more: Cornish Pirates owner Dicky Evans knighted by King Charles

The top prize went to Mr Brown, who was made a Companion of Honour, while Sir Alan was knighted in recognition of his campaigning work highlighting the Post Office Horizon scandal.

Emin, actress Imelda Staunton and fashion accessory designer Anya Hindmarch were all made ladies in the list, while writer Armando Iannucci was made a CBE and cyclist Mark Cavendish was knighted. Singer Rebecca Ferguson, Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon and Countdown’s Susie Dent were among the showbiz names to become MBEs.

In the world of sport, former cyclist Chris Boardman and ex-Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness were made CBEs, while former England footballer Karen Carney was made an OBE. More than 1,000 people from across the UK received honors in Friday’s list.

Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and we’ll send you breaking news and top stories straight to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and advertising from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out anytime you want. If you are curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Sir Alan, founder of the Justice for the Subpostmasters Alliance, who was played by Toby Jones in an ITV drama about the scandal, said he was “honoured” by his knighthood.

The former deputy head of station, who previously rejected an OBE honour, told the PA news agency: “But when I was asked about the OBE. I felt it would have been quite offensive to many members of the group if I had accepted it. But don’t you know, I’ve received hundreds of emails and letters of support over the years, and many people seem to think I should get some sort of recognition for the work I’ve done for them or on their behalf.

“I know I’m the recipient of this and the rest, but it’s also on behalf of the group – and the recognition of the terrible things that happened to them and the story isn’t over yet.”

Dame Tracey, who is known for her autobiographical and confessional artwork, said: “Dame Tracey has a good sound for it. I am very, very happy. Another brilliant surprise in my life.”

Below is the list of those from Cornwall who have been recognized in this year’s birthday honors list.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Ian Martin Jones. Founder, Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd. For services to Space Communications. (Helston, Cornwall)

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Professor Tanya Krzywinska. For services to Higher Education and to the Video Games Industry. (Penryn, Cornwall).

Of her award, Tanya said: “I was completely blown away to receive the letter of recommendation for the MBE. It left me feeling incredibly grateful for the many opportunities that have led to a career in higher education that have arisen from working in the Arts and Humanities and with the games industry.

“Looking back over 30 years in higher education, I would never have guessed at the start of my career that games would become such a prominent economic force in the creative industries. Back in the 80s, though, I had a hunch that games were the new artistic frontier.

“This led me to become a games evangelist in academia, with the goal of bringing together artists and programmers to learn the craft of creating games and explore their potential. I think the writing is on the wall. Follow your passion.”

Sharron Adams. Manager, Covid-19 Children’s Home, Cornwall County Council. For services to disabled children and young people. (St Austell, Cornwall)

Anthony Atkinson. For services to wildlife and ecology. (Callington, Cornwall)

Andrew James Lockett. Treasurer, South Atlantic Medal Association. For voluntary services to Veterans. (Torpoint, Cornwall)

Clare Pooley. Chief of Staff, House of Commons. For services to Parliament. (Truro, Cornwall)