The Oldhamers handed awards in King’s New Year’s Honours List

Hopwood Hall College Principal and CEO, Julia Heap, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.

The prestigious accolade is in recognition of Chadderton-born and raised Julia’s outstanding contributions to skills and Further Education.

Julia, who is also celebrating her birthday today, has been at the helm of many transformative college initiatives since becoming Principal and CEO in 2019.

Julia began her own career 30 years ago as a 22-year-old apprentice at Hill’s Panel Products in Oldham.

It was this personal experience that shaped her outlook on education and the ways it could be used to transform lives and communities.

The mum-of-three has since become a passionate advocate for technical education, apprenticeships, skills-based training and lifelong learning.

Julia said: "I am truly humbled to receive this honour, which is thanks to the unwavering support I receive from a community of staff who can always be relied upon to go above and beyond for our students at Hopwood Hall College.

“Undoubtedly, education has the power to change lives; it changed mine as an adult apprentice – and for that I’ll always be a passionate advocate for the transformative impact of gaining new skills at any stage of life."

Meanwhile, Saddleworth reverend David Ireland (pictured above) has become a Medallist of the British Empire (BEM).

For two decades until this year, he was CEO of Francis House, a children's hospice based in Didsbury, which offers care for children who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and providing support for their families.

Also, a firefighter from Chadderton has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his work with burn victims.

Station Manager Peter Fitzpatrick, who works in Swinton, was named as a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's New Year's Honours List 2026.

Peter, or Pete as he is more commonly known, has worked in partnership with Burns Camps, a project which helps to build the self-esteem of people with burns through physical challenges and allows them to connect with others with burns.

He said: "Receiving the MBE was a massive shock but very much appreciated.

"Burns Camp is something I have been involved with for over half of my fire service career and has been a huge part of my life, so it really means a lot to me."

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