New Years Honours for MCC figureheads

Date released: 7 January 2008

Two MCC figureheads have been included in the Queen’s New Years Honours for 2008. Former England Women’s captain Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, will receive an OBE. MCC Head Coach, Clive Radley will receive an MBE.

Former MCC Committee Member, Rachael Heyhoe-Flint adds an OBE to the MBE she was appointed in 1972. She led the England Women’s team to World Cup glory in 1973 and became the first woman elected to the MCC Committee in 2004.

Rachel Heyhoe-Flint OBE with her Honourary Life Membership of MCC “I’m thrilled to bits that this award is for services to cricket in general.” Rachael said.

“I received my MBE in 1972 for services to women’s cricket but I doubly appreciate this latest recognition, presumably because of my work with MCC and the Lord’s and Lady Taverners.

“However, I’m not going to stop yet. I’ll continue to support the greatest game in the world in any way I can.”

Former Middlesex and England batsman Radley has been working at MCC since 1991. In a 20 year playing career he played eight Test matches for England and holds the record of playing the most matches at Lord’s for his county, country and MCC.

Speaking to lords.org about the moment a letter from the Prime Minister’s office arrived in his in-tray he said:

Clive Radley MBE at the MCC Indoor School “It was back in early November. I hadn’t a clue what it was, so I opened it right away. It said all the bits about ‘The Queen graciously etcetera’ I read it so quickly I don’t really remember.

Strictly confidential

“I had to write to accept it – I suppose people do reject them sometimes, but I accepted by return post!

“It said I had to keep it quiet too – ‘strictly confidential’. It was terrible not being able to tell anyone. I was over in Sri Lanka recently and it was very tempting to tell everyone, or just stick ‘MBE’ on the end of my name.

“I was able to tell my family during the Christmas break and that was great. They were all really pleased for me - I even got a bit of respect from the grandchildren for once!

“I rushed out to buy the papers on the 29th December, when it was all officially announced.

"At first I couldn’t find my name and I was worried I’d been on the end of a wind-up. But then I started to get messages of congratulations from lots of people.

"That was almost the best part, I got so many lovely messages even from the Young Cricketers – mostly emails and texts from them but even from lads I’ve had to let go, which was really nice.

“I haven’t got a date to go to the Palace yet but my wife is looking forward to buying a new hat. I’m going to have to get on to the MCC Print Department too, I need to get my business card updated!”

Congratulations to both from all at MCC.