Further celebrations for local people in Queen's birthday honours list
Sixty-three-year-old John Bishop (pictured right with Bradfield Primary School Andy How, far right), who has worked at Rushall Farm, Bradfield, for 38 years, set up an educational trust there in 1984.
The father-of-three and grandfather of two is also chairman of governors at Bradfield Primary School, where he is affectionately known by the pupils as ‘Farmer John’.
Mr Bishop, along with his fellow governors, was instrumental in raising £250,000 for vital extensions to the school.
The farmer has also raised thousands of pounds for charity, including £30,000 for the MS Society last year.
On hearing of the appointment in the Queen’s birthday honours list, Mr Bishop said: “I was really thrilled. It was completely unexpected. I know everybody says that, but it’s true.”
About 10,500 schoolchildren descend on the farm every year, with some 2,000 of them visiting as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
Mr Bishop said: “Rushall Farm is in a beautiful location, but it wasn’t an easy place farm to manage, so we thought it would be lovely to share the location with other people.”
Newbury father-of-two Andy Moore (pictured left) is also celebrating after being appointed an OBE for services to the Ministry of Defence.
Mr Moore, who lives in Three Acre Road, Newbury, with his wife, Sheila, has worked for the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator for 13 years.
Mr Moore, who sings in the choir at St Nicolas Church, Newbury, said: “I was very pleased. It’s really nice to be recognised for the work I’ve been putting in over the last decade or so.”
Cold Ash resident Eugene Incerti (main picture) was also on the honours list, appointed an MBE for services to skills.
The former director of Skills Competitions at UK Skills now works for the National Apprenticeship Service, which supports apprenticeships throughout the UK.
Hugh Joseph Ogus was also appointed an MBE for services to education at Mary Hare School, Snelsmore Common, and the Lighting Education Trust, while Angela Perry was given the honour for charitable services to the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel Trust, Pangbourne, and the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths.