It's arise Sir Ken!

ONE of the country's top lawyers, Ken Macdonald, who is a former pupil of Bishop Wordsworth's School, Salisbury, has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List.

Currently the Director of Public Prosecutions and head of the Crown Prosecution Service, Sir Ken left the sixth form at BWS in 1970. He was called to the bar in 1978 and became a Queen' s Counsel in 1997.

In 2001, he became a recorder (a part-time judge) in the Crown Court and has held his present appointment since 2003.

As DPP he is responsible for ensuring the independent review and prosecution of criminal proceedings started by the police in England and Wales. He makes decisions about the most complex and sensitive cases and advises the police on criminal matters. He reports to the Attorney General, the Government Minister who answers for the CPS in Parliament.

During he time at BWS, Sir Ken was political correspondent for Veritas Magazine, the school's version of Private Eye.

He returned to BWS in September 2005 to present awards at the school's annual prizegiving ceremony. Sir Ken is married with two sons and a daughter, and is a keen player of the jazz flute.

Linda's joy over her MBE

LONG serving Boscombe Down employee Linda Wood started 2007 with cause for a celebration after being awarded an MBE.

Ms Wood, 56, of Whaddon, became a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to the aviation industry, having worked at the Empire Test Pilots' School, Boscombe, for 32 years, as PA to Commanding Officer of the School, Commander Chris Maude.

Ms Wood, who was born in Amesbury, started working at the airbase in 1969 because of its proximity to her home, and held secretarial appointment in several different departments before moving to the pilots' school. She said she was shocked and very surprised when she found out she would be on the list. "I'm delighted. I can't believe it, but it's marvellous," she added.

  • ONE Standlynch resident had extra reason to celebrate after being awarded an OBE.

Robert Stiby was awarded the medal for his services to broadcasting, after a career which began when he helped to found Capital Radio and Talk Radio in 1972.

From 1972 to 2001, he was chief executive of The Local Radio Company, who had an office in Cathedral Street, and played a part in the founding of Spire FM and more than 30 other local radio stations.

Throughout his career Mr Stiby established a reputation for founding and successfully running small radio stations, and this was continued in recent years with his work as chairman of Tindle Radio.

Even though Mr Stiby officially retired in March last year, he still maintains an interest in broadcasting and has business interests in Ireland and America.

Officers honoured

ARMY officers serving on Salisbury Plain are among armed forces personnel who received awards for leadership, self-sacrifice, dedication and service of the highest standards.

The top honour locally goes to Lieutenant General Frederick Viggers, who is made a Knight Commander of the Bath (KCB).

He is currently Adjutant General, with his headquarters at Upavon and, during a long and distinguished career, is said to have been held in "high esteem by both his regiment, peers and throughout the Army."

Another top local soldier, Lieutenant General Robin Brimms, is made a Companion to the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB).

He is commander of the Field Army at headquarters Land Command, Wilton and is said to have "worked ceaselessly to press ahead with new structures designed for the 21st Century while retaining the ethos of the past."

Former Chief of Staff at the School of Army Aviation, Middle Wallop, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Hyslop, has been awarded the OBE.

He is described as having been an exacting and highly effective Chief of Staff, constantly and successfully juggling the many competing priorities to achieve the required output. He is now a staff officer at the Defence Logistics Organisation in Andover.

Larkhill-based Captain Keith Howe, the Royal Regiment of Artillery receives the MBE. He is the targeting branch instructor at the Royal School of Artillery and his personal example and dynamism ensured students and staff overcame some difficult challenges.

An MBE also goes to Major Mike Pether, of the Royal Logistic Corps (Volunteers), based with 43 (Wessex) Brigade at Bulford Camp. He has been the focal point for Army Cadet Force matters in the south west of England for many years.

  • RAF Sergeant Saul Vine, 39, from Farley, received the Chief of Staff (Operations) Commendation for his "excellent performance and outstanding personal contribution".

Sgt Vine's parents, Liz and Vic, live in Winterslow Road.