The spotlight shines brightly on former Coronation Street actress Sally Lindsay, who has recently made headlines by dedicating her MBE award to the often-overlooked working class actors in the industry. This recognition comes as part of the King’s New Year Honours List, which features 97 individuals from the north-west of England.
Sally Lindsay, aged 52 and widely recognized for her portrayal of Shelley Unwin, the beloved landlady of the Rovers Return in the iconic ITV soap set in Greater Manchester, expressed her deep gratitude upon receiving this honor for her contributions to drama. "I feel incredibly honored," she remarked, emphasizing her commitment to highlighting the voices of working class performers.
Reflecting on her journey, she stated, "Throughout my career, I have encountered extraordinary individuals, forged lasting friendships, and participated in numerous unforgettable projects." In a heartfelt moment, she dedicated her award to the remaining 8% of working class individuals who populate her industry, expressing hope that in the future, there will be an increasing representation of this demographic in acting roles.
In addition to her successful acting and writing career, Lindsay is actively involved as an ambassador for Demelza Hospice Care, a charity dedicated to supporting children with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families, illustrating her commitment to giving back to the community.
But let’s not overlook the remarkable story of Bernard Morgan, a 101-year-old World War II veteran from Crewe, who also received an MBE for his extensive contributions to volunteering and history. Signing up for military service on his 18th birthday, he initially aimed to fly with the Royal Air Force but faced challenges during training. However, his typing skills quickly led him to a critical role in the war effort, where he was involved in communication for the Code and Cypher unit.
On D-Day, Morgan bravely landed in Normandy, transporting a significant cypher machine essential for decoding military orders. Since 2006, he has been a valued volunteer at the Imperial War Museum, enhancing both educational programs and visitor experiences at its branches in London and the North, while actively participating in the museum's 'We Were There' initiatives.
Meanwhile, Bev Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her service in local government. Elected as a councillor in the Burnage ward in 2011, she has taken on multiple vital roles, including serving as the executive member in charge of adult social care and health during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, she became the first woman to lead Manchester City Council when appointed in December 2021.
"Receiving an OBE is a tremendous honor, especially for the contributions I’ve been able to make to our city," Craig shared, expressing her pride in being part of a community that she deeply values.
This year alone, a total of 1,157 individuals have been recognized, encompassing a diverse range of recipients, including foster carers, advocates in women's sports, healthcare professionals, champions of the arts, and mentors for young people.
As we celebrate these remarkable achievements, it raises an intriguing question: what more can be done to uplift the voices of those from working class backgrounds in the entertainment industry? Share your thoughts below!
