Government House is pleased to announce that HM The Queen has recognised four people in the Isle of Man in her 2019 birthday honours list.
The Hon Stephen Rodan OBE
On coming to the Isle of Man in the 1980s Steve Rodan immersed himself in the Island’s historic, cultural, charitable and political life. From early days as a pharmacist in Laxey, supporting local charities and as a Commissioner, through service as an MHK and Minister, his commitment to the people of the Island has been strong. He helped to achieve the right to vote for 16 and 17 year olds. In the Legislative Council since 2016, he has been an even handed President of Tynwald. As County Chairman of the Royal British Legion, he led them with dignity during the commemorations of the 100th Anniversary of WWI. For outstanding service and dedication to the Isle of Man, Steve Rodan receives an OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List, 2019.
Mrs Tonia Lushington MBE
As Secretary General of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association for over 10 years, Tonia Lushington guided the Association through a raft of financial and other complex challenges. She was also Chef de Mission for Manx Teams competing in Delhi and Glasgow and for Youth Teams attending the Games in Pune and Samoa. In addition to organising, mentoring and coaching, she has been at the heart of much of the Association’s fundraising activity for many years. Her support to Manx charitable and sporting sectors spans 5 decades, as an administrator and as a competitor. For services to sport and the community in the Isle of Man, Tonia Lushington is awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List, 2019.
Mr Ivor Ramsden MBE
For over 25 years, Ivor Ramsden has made an outstanding contribution to the social and military history of Manx people by establishing, in his spare time, the Manx Aviation and Military Museum. He has catalogued over 9,000 items in the Museum and created a unique set of personal histories and records. He uses these freely to help others, including visitors, schools, community groups, families and individuals from across the Island and beyond. The exemplary levels of conservation, display and customer service have helped tourism on the Isle of Man and to establish useful links with UK museums. For services to Manx heritage and tourism, Ivor Ramsden is made an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List, 2019.
Mr Tony Fox BEM
For over 40 years, Tony Fox has raised funds for many good causes, including local Manx charities, Coronary Care at both Nobles Hospital and Broad Green in Liverpool, and Robert Owen House. Most significantly, he has raised over £100,000 for the Liver Unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. The latter stemmed from his wife’s liver failure and treatment there 5 years ago, and has allowed purchase of a Normothermic Regional Perfusion machine, called the ‘Fox Machine’ by the hospital. He hopes to raise another £30,000 for good causes this year. For services to medical charities and the community of the Isle of Man, The Queen has recognised Tony Fox with the award of a British Empire Medal in the Birthday Honours List, 2019.
