Would you accept an Honour?

[BlueBloodedBlue]

Assuming you'd done something to deserve it.

Just reading about the people that have turned them down, Stephen Hawking, David, Bowie, French and Saunders, Alan Bennett among many others.

Assuming I was proud of what I'd done to be offered it, I think I would accept. BluebloodedBlue OBE or Lady BBB sounds good to me

No but I hardly think its likely!

Do you get any dosh with them?
I prob would then though.

I woukd yes!
DUncle got a lower level one as he has been working weekly for a youth/charity thing since c 1952 (and still has a role to play even though he is 90 odd) it's nice to be recognised. Another aunt got a key to the city thing but not related to charity work.

I definitely would.
My grandad was an OBE for his charity work. He was so proud of the recognition. That’s not why he did the work of course, but it’s nice to be recognised and I would be honoured to follow his path. I won’t get one though, but I reckon dsis will one day

Nah.

No. Awful system. A pop star gets a knighthood while someone who’s dedicated their whole lives to charity with little reward gets an OBE? Such bullshit.

Heck yes!

Absolutely, yes. As long as who ever nominated it wasn't a gigantic prat and if it was awarded by a group of people I would ensure I did my background information into said group.

Particularly if it was related to my work - it would be a huge emotional boost and would definitely help with promotions in the future. I doubt I will ever be nominated for this work though.

I don't really see it as any different from saying yes to any other nomination though to be honest.

I have turned down an award in the past as the organisation's views on women's employment rights were not aligned to my own - I also cancelled my membership with said organisation, and renounced by professional qualifications with that organisation (having moved to one where the views were inline with mine).

I know or have met some ppl with OBE or CBE.
I can't muster an opinion about it.

Yes, if I'd earned it.

By the way since I have an honour I can confirm the following:

• you are researched very heavily to ensure you haven't done heinous things in the past
• they are organised through the cabinet office though a small number are at the personal behest of the Queen or the Prime minister/political parties - anyone can be nominated by a charity or professional body but you need a lot of people to back the recommendation and write in support (I've written in support if s number which weren't awarded)
• they check with you whether you will accept before it's formally announced
• there is no money associated with it
• you don't have to curtsey to anyone
• you don't have a sword on your shoulder unless you are knighted

Usually a large proportion go to people who have volunteered or worked for charities and when they are announced it says fir services to...

Most recipients dislike the inclusion of Empire in the title but most countries have done way of recognising national contributions and merit. I like the fact that lollipop ladies and volunteer community leaders can be nominated alongside civil servants, scientists, doctors and nurses etc can be recognised. Not so bothered about actors and pop stars and footballers.

I would definitely accept a peerage ;-)
I have 2 schoolfriends, who are OBEs, one in his 30s the other last year in her 60s.
However, I do not like the fact that many honours are awarded to people for just doing their job.

@Bouledeneige it’s the hierarchy I can’t bear. And the most worthy seem to be given the “lowest” award.

And yes the antiquated “empire” is a huge issue.

I wouldn't accept, I'd be flattered to be offered one but I'd turn it down.
I know so many people who work hard and do great work who are not "recognised" for it because no one has thought to nominate them, versus celebrities, athletes, politicians, etc, who get these awards for basically doing their job.
I always think if you work hard and lead a good life then your pride in yourself is the reward.

@BlueBloodedBlue

Assuming you'd done something to deserve it.

Just reading about the people that have turned them down, Stephen Hawking, David, Bowie, French and Saunders, Alan Bennett among many others.

Assuming I was proud of what I'd done to be offered it, I think I would accept. BluebloodedBlue OBE or Lady BBB sounds good to me

I nominated someone for an honour and had the job of organising supporting evidence.

The man I nominated did his job, was hugely popular in that role, but gave way, way more hours of his time to events etc around his role.

He was - and is - hugely respected, but worked in a role that probably paid minimum wage.

I was delighted when my nomination was successful and he got an MBE, even more so when I read the supporting evidence and found out he had done way more than I ever expected or had known about.

For people like him the honours system is marvellous.

An acquaintance recently received an award - for 6 months volunteering thru covid. Claimed key worker rights to put kids into school (they weren't) & loss of business money from the govmt.. but you know did a bit of community work to get out of the house during lockdown. Announced via their many social media channels so we all knew of course.
I know many others who have done much more selflessly with no award. I guess they weren't nominated by the right people. It's really opened my eyes as always quite respected those 'normal people' who received them.

No.

No way. My DH's cousin was offered an MBE and she turned it down.

No