Harrogate amazing 'people of achievement' praised by town's MP in Parliament
Harrogate’s MP has taken the time in Parliament to praise all the town’s figures recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, highlighted local achievements recognised in the King’s Honours – Kambiz Ramzan AIi (MBE), Caroline Jane Bayliss (MBE), Professor Piers Maxwell De Ferranti Forster (CBE), Simon John Roberts (CBE) and Richard David Harpin (Knight Bachelor).
Mr Gordon praised Master Kambiz R. Ali, founder of Harrogate’s internationally renowned K.R. Ali Taekwondo Academy, for their exceptional contribution to sport and the community.
The Harrogate-based club hosts world-class Taekwondo competitions that attract athletes from across the globe and has even introduced a new style of Taekwondo to UK competition – a first for the country.
Harrogate’s MP highlighted the crucial role that clubs like the K.R. Ali Taekwondo Academy play in promoting health, wellbeing, and opportunity within local communities.
He called on the Government to give greater support and recognition to grassroots martial arts, ensuring these clubs can continue to grow and make a lasting positive impact.
“It’s fantastic to see so many people from Harrogate and Knaresborough recognised in the New Year Honours list,” said the Lib Dem MP.
“Master Ali is among those names, having made a significant impact on our community by founding an internationally renowned Taekwondo club and promoting health, wellbeing, and opportunity.
“I will continue to champion clubs like his
"It is vital that the government provides further support and promotion for grassroots sports so they can keep growing and benefiting communities.”
Harrogate honours in full
Kambiz Ramzan AIi (MBE): For services to the Sport of Taekwondo and the community in Harrogate
Founder of Harrogate Taekwondo Acadamy, Master Kambiz R. Ali started his Taekwondo journey in Iran back in 1988 before moving to the West and Harrogate.
Caroline Jane Bayliss (MBE): For services to the community in Harrogate and North Yorkshire
This hard-working figure in Harrogate community causes and local politics was first elected to Harrogate Borough Council in 1983 and served until 1986.
Professor Piers Maxwell De Ferranti Forster (CBE): For services to Tackling Climate Change
Professor Forster, who has worked at the University of Leeds since 2005, is a Professor of Physical Climate Change, a patron of climate action charity Zero Carbon Harrogate
Simon John Roberts (CBE): For services to the Retail Industry
Mr Roberts, who lives in Harrogate, has been the CEO of Sainsbury's since June 2020.
Richard David Harpin (Knight Bachelor): For services to Politics
The 61-year-old University of York graduate is the man behind Homeserve, one of the UK’s largest home emergency businesses.