New Year honours go to police and opera servants (From Warrington Guardian)

New Year honours go to police and opera servants

OPERA theatre founder Jeffery Lockett and police officer Martyn Riley have been named in the New Year's Honours List.

Mr Lockett is artistic director of Clonter Opera Theatre, which is situated at Swettenham Heath.

Mr Ripley lives in the Congleton Guardian's distribution area, and is a chief superintendent with the British Transport Police.

Mr Lockett was awarded an MBE for services to music, and Chf Supt Ripley was awarded an OBE for services to the police force.

"I was astonished to learn I was named in the list," said Mr Lockett, who lives at Clonter Farm, which is adjacent to the opera theatre.

"My reaction to the award was a mixture of surprise and gratitude, and I feel very honoured.

"I feel the award gives some endorsement to the eccentric and crazy plan to turn a farm barn into an opera theatre."

Mr Lockett built the opera theatre, which staged its first performance in 1974 to raise money for charity, with the audience sitting on bales.

The theatre boasts 400 seats, and stages 20 events every year, as well as two of its own productions.

The Clonter Opera prize takes place on January 17.

Chf Supt Ripley works in Manchester, and has been in the police service for 31 years.

He moved into the British Transport Police a year ago, and was on the police planning team for the Commonwealth Games.

"I feel very honoured and privileged to be named in the New Year's Honours List," said Chf Supt Ripley.