Lord Justice Tim Holroyde receives honorary doctorate from Edge Hill University

THE Right Honourable Lord Justice Tim Holroyde has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Edge Hill University. The honour acknowledges his exemplary contributions to the legal profession and his enduring connection to the local community.

Currently serving as the Vice President of the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, Lord Justice Holroyde lived in the Ormskirk area for 40 years and was proud to be recognised by the University.

Speaking to graduands during their graduation ceremony, Lord Justice Holroyde said:- "Lancashire is home for me and it's a real source of pride to me to become an honorary doctor of Edge Hill University, my local University. The University has provided opportunities for everyone, including:- those for whom going to University may not always have seemed the obvious course. To those of you who've done all that while maintaining a job or a family or both, I take my hat off to you."

Lord Justice Holroyde has had an extensive legal career spanning several decades. Educated at Oxford, he qualified as a barrister in 1977 and spent nearly 30 years practising law in Liverpool and on the Northern Circuit.

He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1996, during which time he prosecuted and defended in numerous high profile criminal cases.

He was leading counsel for the prosecution in the trial relating to the deaths of more than 20 Chinese cockle pickers caught by the incoming tide and drowned in Morecambe Bay in 2004.

As a judge of the Court of Appeal, Lord Justice Holroyde has heard the appeals of those prosecuted and convicted based on evidence arising from the Post Office Horizon scandal.

His work on the Sentencing Council, for which he ultimately served as Chairman, has been instrumental in shaping sentencing guidelines across England and Wales.

Lord Justice Holroyde received the honorary doctorate during a ceremony attended by staff, students and their supporters celebrating the achievements of hundreds of Edge Hill graduates. Afterwards, students met with Lord Justice Holroyde for a Q&A and tour of campus facilities.

Abbie Worden, LLB Law Graduate, said:- "With everything that Tim's done and everything that he's achieved in his life, to be able to actually be part of such a big moment for him was really special. For us to collect our degrees at the same time that he was awarded his honorary doctorate, and then to have the opportunity to speak with him, was an honour."

Vice Chancellor Dr John Cater said:- "We are delighted to honour Lord Justice Holroyde in this way. His distinguished career and unwavering commitment to justice have had a profound impact on the legal profession. Moreover, his strong ties to our community make this recognition even more special."

Edge Hill's Academic Board awards honorary degrees in recognition of the highest levels of personal achievement in academic, professional or public life. 

The other 2024 recipients are:-

• Chris Kirkland, former professional goalkeeper, a Liverpool FC player and winner of an England cap.
   

• Dame Louise Ellman, former Leader of Lancashire County Council and former Member of Parliament for Liverpool Riverside.
   

• The Lord Shuttleworth (Charles) KG KCVO, who served as Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire until 2023, and Lady Ann Shuttleworth, who was High Sheriff of Lancashire in 1999.
   

• Steve Igoe, former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Edge Hill University who recently retired after 28 years service.

Previous recipients include:- BBC journalist Clive Myrie, comedian Michael Pennington, better known as Johnny Vegas, actor David Morrissey, screenwriter and playwright Heidi Thomas, and Wally Brown CBE, ex-College Principal and community leader in Liverpool.

Plant a free Woodland Trust tree in the North West of England for your School, Sports Club or community group and help fight the climate and nature crisis

TIME is running out for Schools, Sports Clubs and community groups to take advantage of the Woodland Trust's latest free trees giveaway and help the charity reach a staggering 16 million tree milestone.

The UK's largest woodland conservation charity has given away a mind boggling 15m saplings through its ever popular free trees scheme since it started in 2010; that's an average of more than a million trees a year. And with applications for the autumn delivery window closing next month, the Trust is urging people across the east of England to take advantage of the:- "no catch" scheme and help tackle the climate and nature crisis.

The spring delivery in March 2024 saw 34,545 saplings finding homes in the North West, as part of a total 365,985 trees sent out across the length and breadth of the UK:

In the North West of England the numbers were as follows:-

• 6,375 trees in Cheshire.
   

• 1,185 trees in Manchester.
   

• 7,485 trees in Greater Manchester.
   

• 14,790 trees in Lancashire.
   

• 4,710 trees in Merseyside.

Applications for delivery in September 2024 are closing on:- 26 August 2024.

Woodland Trust Senior Project Lead Steve Shill said time is running out to get involved:- "Planting trees is such a simple action, but the collective impact can make a huge difference to people and the planet. Trees help nature, combat flooding, provide shelter and reduce pollution. And they unite communities, inspire pride and bring huge benefits for mental wellbeing. It's a great way for Schoolchildren and all sorts of community groups; from Sports Clubs to faith groups; to learn about the environment and do their bit. Every School should have trees, but if you don't have space to plant, don't worry; you can still get involved in planting. Why not partner with a local community group or Council to plant trees in a public space?"

The application process to secure your saplings is straightforward. Just visit:- WoodlandTrust.Org.UK, to fill in the form and ensure your trees are on their way.

The Woodland Trust scheme delivers hundreds of thousands of free trees twice a year for planting in spring and autumn. Tree packs come in packs of 15, 30, 105 or 420 trees and in different varieties to suit their purpose; from hedging, copse, for wildlife or wild harvest.

The Trust's tree packs have been generously funded by lead partners Sainsbury's, Lloyds Bank, OVO, Bank of Scotland and Sofology. Shill added:- "As ever, the support and generosity of our funders is crucial; we simply couldn't do this without them. The help each and every 1 of them provides is hugely appreciated and ensures we can provide and deliver our saplings in such huge numbers."