By Richard Sykes
A Huddersfield man has been awarded the MBE by King Charles in his first birthday honours list. Mich Dearman was recognised for his charitable work for the Wooden Spoon society.
The organisation was established and 1983 to provide support for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people in the UK and Ireland and Mr Dearman’s work with the charity goes back over 30 years. He is an Honorary Vice President of the association.
Mr Dearman said: “News of the honour came as a big surprise. I see it really as recognition of the the whole committee of Yorkshire Wooden Spoon. The work they have done has made the county the pre-eminent and strongest fund raising group for the charity in England.
“I feel really honoured to be given the award and I am looking forward to my visit to Buckingham Palace to receive it.”
The Wooden Spoon is the children’s charity of rugby and Mr Dearman became involved with it after a very distinguished playing career. During the 1970’s and 80’s he played club rugby at the highest level as a second row forward with Orrell and Wakefield, captaining both.
He also captained Cheshire in the county championship. At the end of his playing days he took up coaching, the England Students and the North of England being two of the teams to benefit from his expertise. He also developed a reputation as a highly entraining after dinner speaker, regaling appreciative audiences with his rugby stories at many fund raising occasions.
The 74 year old is a former captain of Huddersfield Golf Club and a member and supporter of Huddersfield RUFC.
He began his working life as a teacher of modern languages before setting up his own business which he ran before Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with 10 years ago, curtailed his career.
Mr Dearman lives in Upper Hopton with his wife Lisa. The couple have one son, Phil, who played rugby for Huddersfield Academy alongside future England international Luther Burrell. Mr Dearman helped coach the team to two county Floodlit Cup wins and a National Cup semi-final.
