Prestigious honour for council LGBT champion David

Bury Pride organiser and LGBTQI+ champion David Catterall has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in Greater Manchester.

David started working for the council 2009 and is now head of commercial services, in charge of schools catering, building caretaking and cleaning, civic venues and Bury Market.

David joined the council’s LGBT employee group and was made a Stonewall role model and equality ally in 2010.

He has been instrumental in leading the annual Bury Pride festival, which was voted the UK’s best small pride event last year.

He co-founded the Bury LGBTQI+ Forum, a charity which supports LGBTQI+ people and helps organisations to be inclusive.

Passionate about raising the profile of charities and community groups, he has been involved with many fundraising activities ranging from 10k runs to learning how to ballroom dance for Bury Hospice.

He has been awarded the Greater Manchester Chief Constable’s Citizen Commendation for partnership working, and serves on the board of directors at The Met in Bury.

There are 10 Deputy Lieutenants in Greater Manchester, appointed for their endeavours over many years working to enhance the fabric of Greater Manchester.

They encourage and advise people to nominate those who might be suitable for national honours, invitations to Buckingham Palace Garden Parties and on anniversaries warranting a message from The Queen, and which organisations should receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for organisations.

David said: “I’m really pleased to be able to serve the community of Bury which will allow me to champion the many wonderful organisations and charities that operate in the borough.

“I’m also very much looking forward to being involved with the Citizenship Ceremony, welcoming new British citizens on behalf of the Lieutenancy and Her Majesty the Queen.”

Geoff Little, chief executive of Bury Council, said: “I’m delighted for David. Being appointed a Deputy Lieutenant is a rare honour, one that David fully deserves.

“As an employee of the council David has always championed our values of fairness and public service. David has been a tremendous champion of these values for many years, both within the council and in the wider community, and we are delighted that he has received this honour.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 31 March 2022.

Picture: David Catterall, new Deputy Lieutenant in Greater Manchester.