Bath trio in New Year's Honours

A Bath politician, a popular children's author and a university professor are among those in Bath to have been named in the Queen's New Year's Honours today.

Liberal Democrat councillor Marian McNeir, who represents the Lyncombe ward, has been made an MBE for her services to the community.

As well as her busy political role, Mrs McNeir is also actively involved in a number of local organisations and charities.

She combines her part-time job as a languages lecturer at the University of Bath with the positions of chairman of the Silver Ring Choir, vice-president of the Space to Grow campaign to raise money for a new neo-natal intensive care unit at the Royal United Hospital, and trustee of the Holburne Museum.

She is also a member of the University of Bath's council, of the Theatre Royal's appeal committee, and of the board of the Arts Council for the South West.

She is a former chairman of the Golden-Oldies charity, a former mayor of Bath and chairman of B&NES Council, and has been a local councillor for almost 14 years.

Mrs McNeir was awarded the Chancellor's Medal in January last year for her role in building relations between the university and the city and is also the chairman of the Aix-Bath Twinning Association and B&NES Council's children's champion.

It was her involvement with twinning and her experiences of the traditional German Christmas markets which led her to become one of the driving forces behind bringing a similar event to Bath.

She said: "It's an amazing honour to be awarded the MBE and I am very touched that so many people in Bath have supported my nomination - and totally unbeknown to me.

"It has been a great privilege to serve such a wonderful city which in my opinion is second to none in the world. I have loved being involved in many aspects of Bath life.

"Being awarded the MBE is a humbling experience because I think about all the wonderful people I meet every day who care so much for our community and who give so much to help others. Volunteers play an essential role in the life of Bath and I am just glad I have been able to make a contribution too - it's an honour to be able to make a difference, however modest.

"I've been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the people of Bath and I will continue to help and serve in whatever way I can.

"My family tell me off for not being able to say "No " - but if "Yes " makes a difference, then that's what I'll go on saying."

Prolific author Dick King-Smith, who has penned many modern classics including The Sheep-Pig - which was the inspiration for the movie Babe - and The Queen's Nose, has been made an OBE for his services to children's literature.

The 87-year-old, who was born in Bitton and now lives at Queen Charlton near Keynsham, has been writing books for more than 30 years.

Before he became an author, he served in the Second World War and worked as a farmer and a teacher.

Mr King-Smith, whose real name is Ronald Gordon King-Smith, has written more than 100 books and is also the vice-president of the Avon Wildlife Trust.

Former pro-vice-chancellor at the University of Bath Professor Ian Jamieson has also been made an OBE for his services to local and national education.

Professor Jamieson retired this month after 24 years working at the university, during which time he has been actively involved with the improvement of education across the region.

He also founded and for 13 years edited the Journal of Education and Work, which is now the leading international journal in the field.

Professor Jamieson said the honour was as much for the university as it was for himself.

He said: "I am delighted to receive this honour and although it is personal to me, it also reflects the enormous support I have received from the University of Bath over the years in developing my work in education at every level."

The university's vice-chancellor Professor Glynis Breakwell congratulated him on his award.

She said: "Ian has made an outstanding contribution to education nationally throughout his career, as well as all that he has done within the university.

"It is a sign of his professionalism and commitment that even in his last week he was continuing to progress new initiatives that will further improve the excellent experience our students receive."

Diana Fulbrook, the chief officer for Wiltshire Probation Service, and Councillor Jane Scott, the leader of Wiltshire Council, have also both been made OBEs.

Mrs Scott has been involved in local politics for 14 years and is also a member of the National Youth Agency, the Wiltshire and Swindon Learning and Skills Council and also works as a school inspector for Ofsted.