Richard Thompson - OBE

Subject: RT OBE
From: el_punkoid_nouveau
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 05:10 AM

Just browsing through this year's Honours List, and was mildly gobsmacked to find that Richard Thompson has been awarded an OBE. About time too!

epn

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: BobKnight
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 05:21 AM

I think Dougie Mclean got one too.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Leadfingers
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 05:25 AM

And only TWO Richard Thompson songs at Maidenhead last night

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 06:23 AM

About time too. Congratulations to a huge talent who has stood the test of time.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 06:40 AM

This is realy great news. So pleased that such a unique talent has been regognised .

Next, a Knighthood for Martin Carthy please.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 07:04 AM

I would guess that Martin's personal integrity would make him turn down such an offer.
Still you never know, the folk world is becoming more academic and establishment these days, isn't it?

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Acorn4
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 08:03 AM

Brilliant news! this has somewhat restored credibility in the honours list for me after year of not being able to recover from "Sir Mark Thatcher"!

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: alanabit
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 08:42 AM

Martin Carthy took a gong a few years ago, I believe. I am sure that he likes the establishment little better than you or I do John. As far as I am concerned, it does not reduce his credibility one iota though, because I am sure he would see it as a recognition of the importance of folk music in our culture. The system is pretty unlovely, I will concede that willingly. However, it is the only one which recognises outstanding achievement at a national level - ostensibly on behalf of all the people. That is why I am glad that Richard Thompson has got the OBE after a lifetime of achievement.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 08:43 AM

Yes, Dougie Maclean too.
Complete NYH list is available at the London Gazette website.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: mikesamwild
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 08:45 AM

Both RT and MC should be Sirs

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 08:46 AM

A L OBE

aka Annie Lennox OBE

Hipsters flipsters, and finger poppin' daddies, lend me your lobes

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 09:45 AM

......this has somewhat restored credibility in the honours list for me......

What credibility?


DC

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 10:03 AM

The bread and circuses ploy still works, Doug :)

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Amos
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 10:26 AM

Overtaken By Events???

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 11:09 AM

Once Before Exit, Amos

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Jim McLean
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 11:10 AM

Hamish Henderson, to his credit, refused to be 'honoured'.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: open mike
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 11:14 AM

what's it really stand for ? OBE

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: JohnB
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 11:24 AM

Brilliant! JohnB

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 11:33 AM

Order of the British Empire [said empire now defunct]

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Mick Tems
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 11:35 AM

Richard Thompson is and was my exquisite songwriting hero, ever since we were both teenagers. I'm really glad he has been awarded the OBE - if you can infiltrate the establishment, it makes it so much easier to destroy it.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: GUEST,glueman
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 12:00 PM

I don't think a party tea and a shiny medal gain access to the establishment for nefarious purposes or otherwise. It's generally an acknowledgement that a performer is still alive despite popular belief.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: GUEST,Palinurus
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 12:10 PM

Isn't Martin Carthy already similarly recognized?
(What's the difference between MBE and OBE, asked the American . . .?)
Personally, I think both RT and MC should be knighted.
That ought to put an end to chivalry once and for all . . .

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 12:43 PM

What's the main perk about a knighthood? Front row seat at the Jousts?

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: theleveller
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 12:55 PM

Oh, Bloody 'Ell!

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: G-Force
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 01:00 PM

I believe OBE is Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
MBE is Member of the Order of etc . . .

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: GUEST,Doc John
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 01:12 PM

... and CBE, Commander etc. How I envy you Americans and Continentals who don't have to put up with this crap. And how I admire those who refuse such pigs round the trough farce.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Pete MacGregor
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 02:48 PM

MBE Mediocre / Moderate/ Magnificent / Media Friendly British Entertainer
OBE Ordinary / Obscure / Overseas Resident British Entertainer
CBE Competent / Crap / Classy British Entertainer

According to taste. Suggestions welcome.

Most seem to be put forward by various time-servers and courtiers in Westminster. I expect even the Tory-Lite party (prop. Nick Clegg) get to pick a few.

Happy New Year!

Pete

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 05:53 PM

Predictable Mudcat negativity!!

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 06:01 PM

It's quite ashtonishing how bitter and negative some of you are.

Richard Thompson would wipe the floor with you in singing, writing and playing, yet you need to moan.

Shame on you, frankly.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Tootler
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 07:47 PM

Well said Guest, Ed.

The honours system is hugely flawed. Too many gongs handed out to people for just doing their jobs rather than for something special or over and above the call of duty. This is especially true of many awards to politicians, career civil servants and local government officers among others.

However there are many who are recognised in the honours lists for doing something special and we should give credit where credit is due. Richard Thompson deserves his award as his contribution to the musical life of this country is highly significant, so congratulations to him.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 09:12 PM

I agree wholeheartedly with the last three posters. Why are Mudcatters so bloody miserable, I keep meaning to abandon this forum for the friendlier world of Facebook. I stay because of the wider world but God aren't most of you just bloody miserable. Give credit where it's due, many recipients of Honours are hardworking special people who make our lives all the richer for being in it, what harm does it do to acknowledge that?

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: singleton
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 01:54 AM

Excellent choice!

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: GUEST,Doc John
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 06:26 AM

Well, look what happens every year: knighthoods for billionaire businessmen and senior civil servants, honours for the already wealthy sportspersons and entertainers; but note in the latter case it is always for their charity work. Of course there's the usual lollypop lady and subpostmaster, just to show how egalitarian we are. Look at the sirs this year: the chairman of BA and of the CBI. Remember that that latter organisation said that unions were no longer relevant and opposed the minimum wage. Would you like to be even in the same room as such people?
The Order of Merit would seem to be a good ideas as it's limited to 24 of the most outstanding people; Roger Penrose, Lucien Freud and David Attenborough are all OM's. However, even this honour is tainted when you consider that so are the Duke of Edinborough and Prince Charles. For contribution to rascism,adultery and stupidity no doubt.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: GUEST,Neil Howlett
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 07:31 AM

"Sir Mark Thatcher" is an title inherited from his late father (Denis) who was (unusually) granted a non-life baronetcy. It has nothing to do with his personal qualities (if any).

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: GUEST,Linda Kelly
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 08:50 AM

My brother has an award for services in Kosovo. Do I agree with the awards -no Am I proud of him -yes. I would give every miner and every trawlerman an award every steelworker, soldier and everyone who has grafted laboured and endeavoured in this country's service. Celebrities? no I don't think so.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Peter the Squeezer
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 08:58 AM

openmike asks "what's it really stand for ? OBE"

Other Bugger's Efforts

Not that this applies to Mr Thompson, of course.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Edthefolkie
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 09:36 AM

An old friend of mine is a CBE. I suspect he got the gong because he used to be in a job which involved reading lots of letters written in green ink. Unfortunately these sometimes resembled certain postings on this august organ.

Seriously, he got it because he stuck his neck out. He raised the profile of the organisation in his care greatly with the public, and also extracted large sums of money from various bodies. He accepted the CBE as a recognition of what his whole team had done during his tenure - like Richard Thompson, he's a modest man.

I think it's wonderful that Richard's been recognised in this manner - in my book it's recognition by his own country for somebody who has stuck to his guns and ploughed his own furrow for about 40 years now. And who remains a decent human being.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: The Sandman
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 10:03 AM

Richard Grainger shOuld get an MBE

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Pistachio
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 03:44 PM

I am biased but:
My Mother got her 'Mum's Best Effort' award in 1995 after 30 years helping with and organising endless good, necessary, unpleasant and sometimes thankless deeds within the WRVS (Womens Royal Voluntary Service) in Central Scotland.

I am so immensely proud of her. She even got my late Father to sign up and assist where he could simply by driving people from A to B.

Some people do magical things - because of the way they organise their lives and use their time. I believe Messers Thompson and MacLean should be recognised. 'We' have been touched by their magic and best efforts. Appreciation shown should please us - so let's keep up the feelgood factor. There's enough stuff to moan about but please, not here.

Congratulations Gentlemen; and I apologise for omitting the amazing Annie Lennox.

Wow, TWO Scots. Excellent.

Hazel.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: buddhuu
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 04:08 PM

Richard Thompson is great. Dougie is great. Both deserve whatever recognition they get. That said, archaic imperial orders are, IMHO, a disappointing form for that recognition to take.

I have more respect for people who have the depth of character to reject such "honours" and their associated baggage. The excellent Benjamin Zephania nailed it: 'Me?' I thought, 'OBE me? Up yours,' I thought.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Jan 11 - 05:44 PM

JoLoMo too: I like his colourful paintings.

Mind you, when I was doing obstetrics OBE meant OIL (Castor) BATH and ENEMA!

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Ed Jones
Date: 02 Jan 11 - 06:57 AM

Buddhuu makes a good point. Also, the Honours system props up the Establishment; by accepting 'sweets' the recipients lick the hand that feeds them and less likely to oppose 'those' above them. The Sirs look down on the CBEs and the CBEs look down on the MBEs and all look up to the Lords and Ladies and eventually to the Monarchy. This country and its people will only grow up when the Honours system and with it the unelected House of Lords and the Monarchy, are discarded like old musty clothes.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: theleveller
Date: 02 Jan 11 - 07:05 AM

I agree that the honours system is archaic and unrepresentative, especially the different 'levels' of award and its support of the irrelevant monarchical hierarchy. The people who gain the awards often, no doubt, thoroughly deserve them (others of course, manage to buy them). What I would suggest is something like a Community Service Award, with nominations coming, not from political cronies, but from local communities and interest groups.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: DMcG
Date: 02 Jan 11 - 10:43 AM

Browsing through the list of OBEs, I came across
"EVANS, Carole, Mrs., Grade 7, Head of Contact Centre, Driver and Vehicle
Licensing Agency, Department for Transport."

Grade 7??? What on earth is her grade published for? It looks to me as if no-one really bothered to read the entry. Which rather diminishes the whole system even further.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Mr Red
Date: 02 Jan 11 - 10:46 AM

How I envy you Americans and Continentals

Ah! Why not the Hollywood system of schmoozing and Oscars? And the humungous cost of political patronage just to get two (or more) candidates to the point that even more money is needed to decide which one is going to run the country?

All countries acknowledge their respected luminaries. Though how luminous they might be begs a lot more questions.

And their is always the problem of "not being what it was"

and Folk is what exactly? By definition - By statistics?

"Old Songs".

There is a generation that don't know that "Down where the Drunkards Roll" was written in living memory. To them the intervening 40 years is a lifetime since (if not 2).

And the word Bodhran is what? 60 years in common usage. (Ignore the Gaelic dictionary - it gave no definition 100 years ago).

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: GUEST,^&*
Date: 02 Jan 11 - 10:57 AM

And the word Bodhran is what? 60 years in common usage. (Ignore the Gaelic dictionary - it gave no definition 100 years ago).

Sorry for the thread creep but - it did c.f. Dineen 1904. Can't check the earlier ones at the moment.

That said, "60 years in common usage" is , if anything, an overestimate.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: Jim McLean
Date: 02 Jan 11 - 01:29 PM

I wonder if bodhran is cognate with the Scottish Gaelic word/root bodhrad 'a degree of deafness'.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 02 Jan 11 - 05:01 PM

I wonder if you get any free stuff with it - the OBE that is, not the bodhran.

Subject: RE: Richard Thompson - OBE
From: GUEST,^&*
Date: 02 Jan 11 - 05:38 PM

Jim

Yes, I'm sure it is. The root word in Irish Gaelic would be, in modern spelling, bodhar,pronounced "bower", meaning "deaf".