Sue among Queen's Birthday Honours

12:01am Saturday 14th June 2008

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Barton stalwart Sue Holden could be forgiven for having an extra spring in her step at today's Barton Bash.

She has been awarded an MBE for her community work in today's Queen's Birthday Honours.

For 35 years she and husband Barry ran Holden's News, formerly in Underhill Circus, which sponsored Barton United Football Club.

Over the years, she has helped organise coach trips for families during the summer holidays, raised money to keep the after-school art club running at Barton Neighbourhood Centre and organised the Barton Bash.

The 60-year-old also ran a Christmas lunch for senior citizens for several years.

Mrs Holden was shocked when the letter about her honour dropped through the post.

She said: "I found it quite surreal. Then I felt a huge wave of pride. I was very overwhelmed.

"I feel very privileged - there must be lots of people who are just as deserving."

Oxfam had reason for double celebration: chief executive Barbara Stocking was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire while Janet Anderson received an MBE for her 31 years' service at the Wallingford shop.

Mrs Stocking, 56, of Old Headington, Oxford, said: "I want to share this with everyone who works with and supports Oxfam, especially in the difficult and dangerous trouble spots of the world."

Mrs Anderson, 81, of St Nicholas Road, said: "I was flabbergasted. I started at the shop for something to do after I had a big operation but that was 31 years ago and the job has taken over my life."

Champion of sport for disabled people Stan Eldon has been awarded an MBE.

The 72-year-old, of Dagdale Drive, Didcot, has been chairman of the English Federation of Disability Sport in the South East since it begun in 1998. He founded the Reading Half Marathon in 1983, controversially inviting disabled participants to take part.

Mr Eldon said: "Sometimes it has been hard work because not everyone accepted there should be total integration, but most people now accept they should play a part."

A 10-year labour of love won John Metcalfe, 75, of Queens Street, Dorchester, his MBE.

He co-ordinated the £4m refurbishment of Dorchester Abbey.

Pensioner Daisy May Hall, from Sunningwell, near Abingdon, who fought off a controversial housing development in the village wins an MBE.

And Patricia Brittain, 70, of The Daedings, Deddington, near Banbury, gets an MBE for voluntary service, including looking after the village newsletter, community centre and carer group.

Other gongs were given out across the county. These were: Knights Bachelor: Prof Andrew McMichael for services to medical science Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order: Hugo Brunner, left CMG: Nigel Chapman, for services to international broadcasting.

CBE: Prof Paul Collier for scholarship and development; Prof Paul Harvey for science; Janet Meacham OBE: Prof Dennis Anderson for energy industry; Susan Berry voluntary for sport; Prof Wendy Davies for research in the humanities and to higher education; Prof John Harry Dunning for international business scholarship; Margaret Peggie for fitness, dance and sport MBE: Maj Raymond Brooks MoD; Dr Leslie Drain for environment in South Oxfordshire, Christopher Elliott for HM Revenue and Customs; Roderick Hunt for education; Linda Soderberg for healthcare; Peter Sutherland for service to sport; Susan Terry for community in Shellingford.

Among the showbiz list of honours were veteran entertainer Des O'Connor, 76, and comedian Victoria Wood head showbusiness stars in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, gaining CBEs.

Paul O'Grady, creator of the vampish Lily Savage, and June Brown, who plays Dot Cotton in EastEnders, get MBEs, and there is an OBE for Russell T Davies, the man who brought Doctor Who back to life.

And there is recognition for two giants of rugby, Lawrence Dallaglio got an OBE and Bill Beaumont and boxing champ Joe Calzaghe were each made CBEs.

TV presenter Joan Bakewell becomes a dame, as does author Margaret Drabble, while Millennium Dome architect Lord Rogers becomes a Companion of Honour. Actress Janet McTeer gets an OBE, and Prime Suspect screenwriter Lynda La Plante a CBE.