Leader: Our high achievers

Jun 12 2010 by simon halewood, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HUDDERSFIELD people have done exceptionally well in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

And it’s a fitting snapshot of the diversity of our community and the range of brilliant work that goes on within them.

Some are well-known names and some most people will never have heard of ... before today. But all have one thing in common. They go that extra mile in life and inspire others to do the same.

It’s fitting in a week that started with the Examiner’s Community Awards when people are hailed as heroes and heroines within their own communities that it should end with our people being recognised nationally.

The best-known is Simon Armitage, now CBE, who has stayed true to his Huddersfield roots and is honoured for his outstanding services to literature.

As a poet and novelist he is an inspiration to our young people and is already thought of so highly a House at Colne Valley High School – the school he attended – is already named after him.

His work is aimed at those who he regards as “the ordinary man’’ and his gift has been to inspire people to enjoy poetry who wouldn’t usually turn to the genre.

Also outstanding are Brighouse foster couple Robert and Pamela Noden who have been awarded the MBE.

Over the years they have looked after hundreds of children and young people and the alternative to their kindness would have been for these youngsters to remain in care or troubled homes.

They have given more than anything – their time and love – and, in a world dominated by materialism, that is absolutely priceless.