Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool, Professor Robert Lee and graduate Lady Veronica Cossons, have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Professor Lee was awarded an OBE for services to the restoration of Birkenhead Park and the community in Birkenhead. His research at the University’s Department of History on the historic development of parks and open spaces in Liverpool contributed to community development, education, bio-diversity, public health and urban regeneration.
As Chair of the Friends of Birkenhead Park, Professor Lee recently welcomed president and chief executive of New York Central Park Conservancy to view the park that provided inspiration for the design of New York’s famous green space. Professor Lee was instrumental in the multi-million pound, five-year restoration project at Birkenhead Park, which included the refurbishment of buildings, restoration of the lakes and new planting.
Geography graduate and president of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Lady Veronica Cossons was appointed MBE for services to wildlife conservation. Her husband, Sir Neil Cossons, also a University graduate, was awarded an OBE in 1982 and knighted for services to museums and heritage in 1994.
Other University graduates honoured included: Dr Karen Groves, MBE for services to palliative care; Michael Dooling, MBE for services to athletics in Merseyside; Gareth Williams, OBE for services to special needs education; and John Loughnane for services to nature conservation on the Wirral.
A number of University honorary graduates were also recognised in the New Year’s Honours list. Liverpool -born conductor, Sir Simon Rattle, who now directs the Berlin Philharmonic, joins the Order of Merit, a group of 24 high achievers selected by the Queen. Pianist, Stephen Hough, was made a CBE for his services to music. Honoured by the University in 2011, Stephen has received four Grammy nominations as a pianist, composer and writer and has performed with some of the world’s greatest orchestras.
For the full New Year’s Honours list, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-years-honours-lists-2014.
