Skelmersdale-based former council officer delighted after OBE award Jan 12 2012 <http://www.osadvertiser.co.uk/news/ormskirk-news/2012/01/12/> by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser <http://beta.ormskirkadvertiser.co.uk/>
A FORMER council officer who moved to Skelmersdale for his daughter's education has been awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the New Year's Honours List. Dr Ian Birnbaum, who practices transcendental meditation, moved his family to Skem when he retired two years ago so that his daughter Ciandra could attend the Maharishi School. The 61-year-old had worked for Sutton Council in London for 20 years, and has been recognised in the Honours List for services to local government. Dr Birnbaum, who rose to the position of strategic director for children, young people and learning services before serving as interim chief executive, said: "I'm delighted to have received this award. "It was a privilege to work with Sutton's talented officers, teachers, parents and students over many years. Without their hard work and dedication, I know I would not have received this honour." During his time in Sutton, Dr Birnbaum led on several initiatives, including devising and implementing the first computerised schools' coordinated admissions system. And he spoke of how he is enjoying his new life in Skem. Dr Birnbaum said: "I feel very settled here. We came because my daughter was moving to secondary school and we wanted her to go the Maharishi School. We believe it offers an excellent education and she's very happy there. "We really like the people here and it's a good place to live, near the Tawd Valley and the Beacon."
