Musical Honours

[subcontrabass]

Robert Rogers, KCB - "parish organist for 35 years"

Kate Bush, CBE

Nicola Benedetti, MBE

Sheila Hatcher, BEM (Pipe Major, Dagenham Girl Pipers)

Peter Skellon, BEM (Musical Director, RAFA Concert Band, Weston-super-Mare)

[mercia]

Dagenham Girl Pipers

oh, I thought they were ficticious - part of somebody's comedy routine

[LeMartinPecheur]

Robert Rogers, KCB - "parish organist for 35 years"

Kate Bush, CBE

Nicola Benedetti, MBE

Sheila Hatcher, BEM (Pipe Major, Dagenham Girl Pipers)

Peter Skellon, BEM (Musical Director, RAFA Concert Band, Weston-super-Mare)

With all due respect to Ms Benedetti, this list is hardly a big inspiration to the world of classical music, I'd have thought.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

It shows just how low the perception of classical music has sunk in the eyes of the media and the current establishment.

[jean]

oh, I thought they were ficticious - part of somebody's comedy routine

Perhaps because The Dagenham girl pipers were often referred to by Eric Morecambe during episodes of The Morecambe and Wise Show. The Pipers are also referenced during George and Mildred series 1, episode 10 as well as Minder series 3, episode 8.

[amateur51]

I understand the need for the Honours lists but I do think that the grading system is crazy - you either have or you haven't done something worthwhile, surely. However a grading system is what we have and very subtle it can be too - could someone explain to me what Kate Bush has contributed to the Life of the Nation to warrant a CBE, rather than an OBE?

I could be wrong of course, but ...

[subcontrabass]

Darren Henley, OBE (Managing Director, Classic FM)

[Pabmusic]

I understand the need for the Honours lists but I do think that the grading system is crazy - you either have or you haven't done something worthwhile, surely. However a grading system is what we have and very subtle it can be too - could someone explain to me what Kate Bush has contributed to the Life of the Nation to warrant a CBE, rather than an OBE?

I could be wrong of course, but ...

Perhaps (and I really don't know) she already has an OBE and now gets the next one up. This year there's the reinstatement after many years of the BEM - so there's another level.

[subcontrabass]

Perhaps (and I really don't know) she already has an OBE and now gets the next one up. This year there's the reinstatement after many years of the BEM - so there's another level.

No. This is a first Honour for Kate Bush - straight in at CBE (like Cherie Blair).

[amateur51]

No. This is a first Honour for Kate Bush - straight in at CBE (like Cherie Blair).

Cherie Blair has her own charitable trust and I know from personal experience that she is very supportive of the Law Centre movement so that's worth a gong

[MrGongGong]

- could someone explain to me what Kate Bush has contributed to the Life of the Nation to warrant a CBE, rather than an OBE?

I could be wrong of course, but ...

I think compared to many songwriters she has created a body of work that isn't pandering to fashion and has maintained a really individual and influential voice......

though there are many others I would choose as well

Darren Henley no no no I fear that we will live to see the day where the "Henley Review" is the tipping point in music education and not in a good way

[Mr Pee]

Robert Rogers, KCB - "parish organist for 35 years"

Kate Bush, CBE

Nicola Benedetti, MBE

Sheila Hatcher, BEM (Pipe Major, Dagenham Girl Pipers)

Peter Skellon, BEM (Musical Director, RAFA Concert Band, Weston-super-Mare)

I was in the RAF Central Band with Peter Skellon. Lovely chap. Congratulations!!

[salymap]

Perhaps the custom of giving a knighthood to the baton wavers is dying out. I haven't heard of any new ones this time round.

Iknew it was going to be like this as the BT page says'Kate Bush heads the music awards'. Actually I did listen and like her stuff years ago but honestly............

[Lateralthinking1]

What - no Peter Skellern?

[Mr Pee]

I should like to add the the list a good chum and ex-colleague of mine, Chief Technician Barry Stringer, violinist and leader of the RAF Salon Orchestra, who was also awarded an MBE today. Congratulations Barry!!