THERE were calls today for
Hampshire sailing sensation
Ben Ainslie to be given a
knighthood.
It comes after a remarkable weekend
that saw the 31-year-old take a third gold
medal, placing him in the record books as
Britains best ever Olympic sailor.
Lymington mayor, Councillor Martina
Humber, said Ainslie's success should be
recognised by making him a knight of
the realm.
Yesterday's historic achievement saw
the Lymington-based sailor reach an
Olympic milestone, picking up his third
successive Olympic gold in the Finn
class.
His dramatic win at around 9.30am
British time, came 24 hours later than
predicted after a lack of wind in
Southampton's twin city of Qingdao
forced race officials to abandon the bid.
But for the friends and family of
Ainslie, who had gathered at his home
club of Royal Lymington Yacht Club in
the early hours, it was an historic morning
worth waiting for.
Just an hour earlier they had cheered
with delight as fellow Lymington sailor
Pippa Wilson stormed to glory in the
Yngling class.
Ainslie thrived in the choppy seas and
strong winds to dominate the final race,
seeing off his medal rival American Zach
Railey.
The win elevated Ainslie to the status of
the greatest British sailor ever to compete
in the Olympics - sparking calls for him to become Sir Ben.
Lymington Mayor, Martina Humber,
told the Daily Echo: "It would be a lovely
idea if Ben was given a Knighthood. His
performance in the Olympics just goes to
prove he deserves it.
"What better way to celebrate such a
remarkable achievement than to have
him knighted. It would be jolly good."
See today's Daily Echo for the full story and reaction to Ben's win and that of Southampton's Pippa Wilson.
9:34am Monday 18th August 2008
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CommentPosted by: Saint, Forest on 10:20am Mon 18 Aug 08
Slight exaggeration to say 'calls' don't you think?
Looks from the article that the only 'call' is from a Mayor looking for some easy publicity..
When will we see the Mayor being quoted regarding the REAL issues for Lymington - e.g lack of parking at the hospital and around the town?
Still, her comments might get her into the Royal Lymington upon Ben's return.....
Slight exaggeration to say 'calls' don't you think?
Looks from the article that the only 'call' is from a Mayor looking for some easy publicity..
When will we see the Mayor being quoted regarding the REAL issues for Lymington - e.g lack of parking at the hospital and around the town?
Still, her comments might get her into the Royal Lymington upon Ben's return.....
Posted by: Denzil, Chilworth on 10:38am Mon 18 Aug 08
What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.
What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.
Posted by: wow, soton on 10:50am Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Denzil[/bold] wrote:
What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.[/quote] For once although i dont beleive myself i actually agree with you on this one!!!
Denzil wrote:
What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.
For once although i dont beleive myself i actually agree with you on this one!!!
Posted by: Hello Sailor on 11:10am Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Denzil[/bold] wrote:
What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.[/quote] Just shows what you know - he's a sailor not a rower. Whether he deserves it or not is another matter but get your facts right first.
Denzil wrote:
What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.
Just shows what you know - he's a sailor not a rower. Whether he deserves it or not is another matter but get your facts right first.
Posted by: wow, soton on 11:25am Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Hello Sailor[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Denzil[/bold] wrote: What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.[/quote] Just shows what you know - he's a sailor not a rower. Whether he deserves it or not is another matter but get your facts right first.[/quote] He is clearly being sarcastic as to prove how ridiculas it all is. Dont be so Pedantic!!!
Hello Sailor wrote:
Denzil wrote: What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.
Just shows what you know - he's a sailor not a rower. Whether he deserves it or not is another matter but get your facts right first.
He is clearly being sarcastic as to prove how ridiculas it all is. Dont be so Pedantic!!!
Posted by: Family Man, Bitterne on 11:26am Mon 18 Aug 08
I have no doubt he will be suitably recognised in the New Year's Honours, as will all of our successful Olympians, but perhaps a knighthood might be a step too far...perhaps an MBE/OBE/CBE would be more in order.
However, at the risk of bringing politics into it, I would love to know the rationale behind the award of a heriditary peerage to Margaret Thatcher so that her son, Sir Mark Thatcher could/has inherit/ed the title. He has done nothing but bring his family name, and this country, whatever you may think of them, into disrepute, and has done nothing whatsoever to deserve such a peerage. You only have to look at his reference on Wikipedia.
I suppose therefore that if someone as undeserving as him can get the highest recognition, then our Olympians deserve to be recognised in an appropriate, equitable and deserving way!
I have no doubt he will be suitably recognised in the New Year's Honours, as will all of our successful Olympians, but perhaps a knighthood might be a step too far...perhaps an MBE/OBE/CBE would be more in order.
However, at the risk of bringing politics into it, I would love to know the rationale behind the award of a heriditary peerage to Margaret Thatcher so that her son, Sir Mark Thatcher could/has inherit/ed the title. He has done nothing but bring his family name, and this country, whatever you may think of them, into disrepute, and has done nothing whatsoever to deserve such a peerage. You only have to look at his reference on Wikipedia.
I suppose therefore that if someone as undeserving as him can get the highest recognition, then our Olympians deserve to be recognised in an appropriate, equitable and deserving way!
Posted by: Miles Sway, Scotland on 11:54am Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Family Man[/bold] wrote:
I have no doubt he will be suitably recognised in the New Year's Honours, as will all of our successful Olympians, but perhaps a knighthood might be a step too far...perhaps an MBE/OBE/CBE would be more in order. However, at the risk of bringing politics into it, I would love to know the rationale behind the award of a heriditary peerage to Margaret Thatcher so that her son, Sir Mark Thatcher could/has inherit/ed the title. He has done nothing but bring his family name, and this country, whatever you may think of them, into disrepute, and has done nothing whatsoever to deserve such a peerage. You only have to look at his reference on Wikipedia. I suppose therefore that if someone as undeserving as him can get the highest recognition, then our Olympians deserve to be recognised in an appropriate, equitable and deserving way![/quote] I was under the impression that ex PM's ALL get Knighted in recognition of service to the country? How their children then turn out or whether or not such awards should be hereditary is another matter
Family Man wrote:
I have no doubt he will be suitably recognised in the New Year's Honours, as will all of our successful Olympians, but perhaps a knighthood might be a step too far...perhaps an MBE/OBE/CBE would be more in order. However, at the risk of bringing politics into it, I would love to know the rationale behind the award of a heriditary peerage to Margaret Thatcher so that her son, Sir Mark Thatcher could/has inherit/ed the title. He has done nothing but bring his family name, and this country, whatever you may think of them, into disrepute, and has done nothing whatsoever to deserve such a peerage. You only have to look at his reference on Wikipedia. I suppose therefore that if someone as undeserving as him can get the highest recognition, then our Olympians deserve to be recognised in an appropriate, equitable and deserving way!
I was under the impression that ex PM's ALL get Knighted in recognition of service to the country? How their children then turn out or whether or not such awards should be hereditary is another matter
Posted by: Family Man, Bitterne on 12:12pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Miles Sway[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Family Man[/bold] wrote: I have no doubt he will be suitably recognised in the New Year\'s Honours, as will all of our successful Olympians, but perhaps a knighthood might be a step too far...perhaps an MBE/OBE/CBE would be more in order. However, at the risk of bringing politics into it, I would love to know the rationale behind the award of a heriditary peerage to Margaret Thatcher so that her son, Sir Mark Thatcher could/has inherit/ed the title. He has done nothing but bring his family name, and this country, whatever you may think of them, into disrepute, and has done nothing whatsoever to deserve such a peerage. You only have to look at his reference on Wikipedia. I suppose therefore that if someone as undeserving as him can get the highest recognition, then our Olympians deserve to be recognised in an appropriate, equitable and deserving way![/quote] I was under the impression that ex PM\'s ALL get Knighted in recognition of service to the country? How their children then turn out or whether or not such awards should be hereditary is another matter [/quote] I have no particular problem with knighthoods being awarded to ex-PMs, provided of course they are earned and deserved. What I object to is the award of hereditary peerages, given that the eldest will inherit no matter what they have done, who they are, and what they stand for, and Mark Thatcher is a very good case in point. It is an excellent example of how the honours sytem has been brought into disrepute and lacking in credibility. I can only hope that the baronetcy is "withdrawn" from this particular "gentleman" but, out of respect and decency for her, not until after Margaret Thatcher is dead. Having said that, I cannot believe I am saying this given my visceral hatred of what she stood for and the way she treated the working people and manufacturing industries of this country.
Miles Sway wrote:
Family Man wrote: I have no doubt he will be suitably recognised in the New Year\'s Honours, as will all of our successful Olympians, but perhaps a knighthood might be a step too far...perhaps an MBE/OBE/CBE would be more in order. However, at the risk of bringing politics into it, I would love to know the rationale behind the award of a heriditary peerage to Margaret Thatcher so that her son, Sir Mark Thatcher could/has inherit/ed the title. He has done nothing but bring his family name, and this country, whatever you may think of them, into disrepute, and has done nothing whatsoever to deserve such a peerage. You only have to look at his reference on Wikipedia. I suppose therefore that if someone as undeserving as him can get the highest recognition, then our Olympians deserve to be recognised in an appropriate, equitable and deserving way!
I was under the impression that ex PM\'s ALL get Knighted in recognition of service to the country? How their children then turn out or whether or not such awards should be hereditary is another matter
I have no particular problem with knighthoods being awarded to ex-PMs, provided of course they are earned and deserved. What I object to is the award of hereditary peerages, given that the eldest will inherit no matter what they have done, who they are, and what they stand for, and Mark Thatcher is a very good case in point. It is an excellent example of how the honours sytem has been brought into disrepute and lacking in credibility. I can only hope that the baronetcy is "withdrawn" from this particular "gentleman" but, out of respect and decency for her, not until after Margaret Thatcher is dead. Having said that, I cannot believe I am saying this given my visceral hatred of what she stood for and the way she treated the working people and manufacturing industries of this country.
Posted by: Merckxy, Eastleigh on 1:14pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Family Man[/bold] wrote:
I have no doubt he will be suitably recognised in the New Year's Honours, as will all of our successful Olympians, but perhaps a knighthood might be a step too far...perhaps an MBE/OBE/CBE would be more in order.
However, at the risk of bringing politics into it, I would love to know the rationale behind the award of a heriditary peerage to Margaret Thatcher so that her son, Sir Mark Thatcher could/has inherit/ed the title. He has done nothing but bring his family name, and this country, whatever you may think of them, into disrepute, and has done nothing whatsoever to deserve such a peerage. You only have to look at his reference on Wikipedia.
I suppose therefore that if someone as undeserving as him can get the highest recognition, then our Olympians deserve to be recognised in an appropriate, equitable and deserving way![/quote] Mark who?????????????????
??
Family Man wrote:
I have no doubt he will be suitably recognised in the New Year's Honours, as will all of our successful Olympians, but perhaps a knighthood might be a step too far...perhaps an MBE/OBE/CBE would be more in order.
However, at the risk of bringing politics into it, I would love to know the rationale behind the award of a heriditary peerage to Margaret Thatcher so that her son, Sir Mark Thatcher could/has inherit/ed the title. He has done nothing but bring his family name, and this country, whatever you may think of them, into disrepute, and has done nothing whatsoever to deserve such a peerage. You only have to look at his reference on Wikipedia.
I suppose therefore that if someone as undeserving as him can get the highest recognition, then our Olympians deserve to be recognised in an appropriate, equitable and deserving way!
Mark who?????????????????
??
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 1:15pm Mon 18 Aug 08
daulter carol is all ready called a lady because she married into the peerage,not all ex-pm get a knighthood to earn that they must get elected 3 times into power weather if they done any good or not
daulter carol is all ready called a lady because she married into the peerage,not all ex-pm get a knighthood to earn that they must get elected 3 times into power weather if they done any good or not
Posted by: Baj, Baj Towers, Saintsweb ltd on 1:55pm Mon 18 Aug 08
If Ainslie deserves a knighthood then so do I.
[bold]Now give me your fivers.... mugs.[/bold]
If Ainslie deserves a knighthood then so do I.
Now give me your fivers.... mugs. Posted by: Miles Sway, Scotland on 1:58pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]southy[/bold] wrote:
daulter carol is all ready called a lady because she married into the peerage,not all ex-pm get a knighthood to earn that they must get elected 3 times into power weather if they done any good or not[/quote] Thanks Southy - I didn't know what the rule was. Can't see Gordon Brown getting a knighthood...
southy wrote:
daulter carol is all ready called a lady because she married into the peerage,not all ex-pm get a knighthood to earn that they must get elected 3 times into power weather if they done any good or not
Thanks Southy - I didn't know what the rule was. Can't see Gordon Brown getting a knighthood...
Posted by: BikerJohn, work on 2:03pm Mon 18 Aug 08
GIVE HIM A KNIGHTHOOD!! My a**e Pastimes & hobbies shouldn't be included in the olympics, save it for real sports. I'm going for gold in airfix modelling in 2012. If I acheive it I'm expecting to be made a saint!
GIVE HIM A KNIGHTHOOD!! My a**e Pastimes & hobbies shouldn't be included in the olympics, save it for real sports. I'm going for gold in airfix modelling in 2012. If I acheive it I'm expecting to be made a saint!
Posted by: Family Man, Bitterne on 2:08pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Miles Sway[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]southy[/bold] wrote: daulter carol is all ready called a lady because she married into the peerage,not all ex-pm get a knighthood to earn that they must get elected 3 times into power weather if they done any good or not[/quote] Thanks Southy - I didn't know what the rule was. Can't see Gordon Brown getting a knighthood...[/quote] If for no other reason than he will have never been elected even once!!!
Miles Sway wrote:
southy wrote: daulter carol is all ready called a lady because she married into the peerage,not all ex-pm get a knighthood to earn that they must get elected 3 times into power weather if they done any good or not
Thanks Southy - I didn't know what the rule was. Can't see Gordon Brown getting a knighthood...
If for no other reason than he will have never been elected even once!!!
Posted by: sailor on 2:45pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]Family Man[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Miles Sway[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]southy[/bold] wrote: daulter carol is all ready called a lady because she married into the peerage,not all ex-pm get a knighthood to earn that they must get elected 3 times into power weather if they done any good or not[/quote] Thanks Southy - I didn't know what the rule was. Can't see Gordon Brown getting a knighthood...[/quote] If for no other reason than he will have never been elected even once!!![/quote] Family Man - No prime minister is elected in the sense that you mean, people vote for the party not the person.
Family Man wrote:
Miles Sway wrote: southy wrote: daulter carol is all ready called a lady because she married into the peerage,not all ex-pm get a knighthood to earn that they must get elected 3 times into power weather if they done any good or not
Thanks Southy - I didn't know what the rule was. Can't see Gordon Brown getting a knighthood...
If for no other reason than he will have never been elected even once!!!
Family Man - No prime minister is elected in the sense that you mean, people vote for the party not the person.
Posted by: candlestick maker on 3:40pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]sailor[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Family Man[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Miles Sway[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]southy[/bold] wrote: daulter carol is all ready called a lady because she married into the peerage,not all ex-pm get a knighthood to earn that they must get elected 3 times into power weather if they done any good or not[/quote] Thanks Southy - I didn't know what the rule was. Can't see Gordon Brown getting a knighthood...[/quote] If for no other reason than he will have never been elected even once!!![/quote] Family Man - No prime minister is elected in the sense that you mean, people vote for the party not the person.[/quote] Erm, we vote for our local candidates. But I know what you're getting at
sailor wrote:
Family Man wrote:
Miles Sway wrote: southy wrote: daulter carol is all ready called a lady because she married into the peerage,not all ex-pm get a knighthood to earn that they must get elected 3 times into power weather if they done any good or not
Thanks Southy - I didn't know what the rule was. Can't see Gordon Brown getting a knighthood...
If for no other reason than he will have never been elected even once!!!
Family Man - No prime minister is elected in the sense that you mean, people vote for the party not the person.
Erm, we vote for our local candidates. But I know what you're getting at
Posted by: I and I on 4:25pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]wow[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Hello Sailor[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Denzil[/bold] wrote: What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.[/quote] Just shows what you know - he's a sailor not a rower. Whether he deserves it or not is another matter but get your facts right first.[/quote] He is clearly being sarcastic as to prove how ridiculas it all is. Dont be so Pedantic!!![/quote] huh, his post isn't sarcastic at all. You are only saying that because you are dumb enough to agree without spotting his mistake
wow wrote:
Hello Sailor wrote: Denzil wrote: What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.
Just shows what you know - he's a sailor not a rower. Whether he deserves it or not is another matter but get your facts right first.
He is clearly being sarcastic as to prove how ridiculas it all is. Dont be so Pedantic!!!
huh, his post isn't sarcastic at all. You are only saying that because you are dumb enough to agree without spotting his mistake
Posted by: lamby, southampton on 9:32pm Mon 18 Aug 08
[quote][bold]wow[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Denzil[/bold] wrote: What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.[/quote] For once although i dont beleive myself i actually agree with you on this one!!![/quote] i dont think he should be knighted atall he sails boats he doesnt save lives what about giving it to doctors who save children and babies lives not people who row boats
wow wrote:
Denzil wrote: What a rubbish idea, all he does row boats. There are much more deserving people out there.
For once although i dont beleive myself i actually agree with you on this one!!!
i dont think he should be knighted atall he sails boats he doesnt save lives what about giving it to doctors who save children and babies lives not people who row boats
Posted by: lamby, southampton on 9:35pm Mon 18 Aug 08
i had the **** this morning and still went to work give me a nighthood
i had the **** this morning and still went to work give me a nighthood
Posted by: Jimbo Royal, Windsor Castle on 2:44pm Tue 19 Aug 08
i have to say that all these calls to knight people or make them Dames is quite extraordinarily cheeky. The Queen / establishment make these decisions not friends of the so called deserving. Whilst i am sure that the swimmer, Rebecca Adlington did well, i couldn't help but cringe when her pal ordered the queen to make her a dame. If i were the Queen I would probably do all I could to prevent it!! What a nerve - it shows a complete lack of respect for the monarchy.
i have to say that all these calls to knight people or make them Dames is quite extraordinarily cheeky. The Queen / establishment make these decisions not friends of the so called deserving. Whilst i am sure that the swimmer, Rebecca Adlington did well, i couldn't help but cringe when her pal ordered the queen to make her a dame. If i were the Queen I would probably do all I could to prevent it!! What a nerve - it shows a complete lack of respect for the monarchy.
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