Roy Simpson, former Chair of Governors for over 20 years and current Chair of Trust at The Academy at Shotton Hall has today been awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to education, cricket and the community of Durham. Congratulations Roy!
Read our story from 15 June 2015 when Roy found out he would be receiving the award...
For as long as most people working at the Academy can remember, Roy has been central to the school working alongside four headteachers and overseeing the rebuild of the school in 2011.
Speaking of his award, Roy was characteristically modest and praised those around him for his success, particularly his wife of almost 48 years, Cynthia:
“There are many, many people who have helped me both in and out of school in my local community and from my time in industry, none more than my wife Cynthia. From the outset we have been a partnership, with her role at the local primary, and mine at the secondary, allowing us to make an impact on children’s education from the outset.
“I’m just a boy from Wingate and receiving the MBE means everything to me. The work that I have been recognised for has brought me enormous pleasure and satisfaction for many years and to be rewarded for it with such a prestigious honour is a humbling experience and one that I am truly grateful for.”
Executive Principal and the fourth headteacher Roy has been Chair of Governors alongside, Lesley Powell, said:
“Roy has changed people’s lives by committing himself to his community and to our school. For the past 25 years as a governor, and 23 years as chair of governors, Roy has helped us transform to become one of the most successful schools in England, giving Shotton Hall students the very best start in life.
“Roy has shown that someone as humble as himself, who started his working life as a messenger boy for ICI, can have an impact on the ordinary life of a community by giving his all and believing anything is possible.
“His influence has touched lives on so many different levels and in so many different ways. Beyond his formal governor, magistrates and voluntary work, Roy has worked in many different guises across the community over the years. From appearing annually as Santa Claus at the local junior school to driving community buses, appearing as a key figure in amateur dramatics and organising too many fund-raising events to mention, he has selflessly devoted himself to working for the greater good and has been an inspiration to many at Shotton Hall and beyond.
“This honour is truly deserved and is finding a home with a wonderful and inspirational man. I am proud to work with Roy and believe East Durham owes him a great debt –The Academy at Shotton Hall equally so.”
MBE means Member of the Order of the British Empire and is awarded by the Queen for a significant achievement or outstanding service to the community.