BHA's Couchman made OBE in new year honours

Industry stalwart Martin Couchman topped this year's New Year's Honours list for the hospitality trade.

Couchman, deputy chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, was made an OBE in recognition of his work for the trade.

The association said Couchman's award was "very well deserved".

Others recognised in this year's list include Peter Lederer, chairman of VisitScotland and managing director of the Gleneagles golf resort in Perthshire, who adds a CBE to his OBE for work promoting the region.

Sheila Mitchell, president of the British arm of the European Catering Association, was made an MBE.

Otherwise the majority of awards for the sector were to members of local communities who are often left unsung.

Mary Cowie, catering manager of Seaton Infant School in Workington, Cumbria, became an MBE, as did Mary Magennis, catering manager at the Northern Ireland Office.

Alan Booth, co-owner of the Ryedale Hotel in Scarborough, and the town's town crier since 1984, was made an MBE.

And Anthony Climpson, tourism and publicity manager of New Forest District Council, received an OBE.

by Nic Paton

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