New Year Honours from our area

Dec 31 2008 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

CELEBRATING A NEW YEAR WITH HONOURS

HE has spent more than 40 years rescuing people stranded on the beautiful but rugged moors around Huddersfield.

Now mountain rescue volunteer Barry Gregory is making the news himself – as a new MBE recipient.

Mr Gregory, who will be 64 on January 1, receives the honour today in the New Year Honours list for his work with the Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team.

Mr Gregory, of Popley Drive, Meltham, first volunteered with the old Huddersfield Scout Rescue Unit when he was just 19.

Since then he has devoted much of his life to the rescue movement – working not only with the Woodhead team, where he is currently treasurer and was chairman, but also with the Peak District organisation which looks after a huge slice of northern England.

“I have been involved in many rescues and searches but this honour has come as a great surprise.

“After 40 odd years in the job, praise is not the reason you do it. But it’s been a major part of my life and I’m delighted to be recognised”.

Mr Gregory, who is married to Susan and has two daughters, Joanne and Kay, is general manager of a firm making window and door frames.