Freedom of the District awarded to our unsung heroes

For the first time ever, as part of the Council’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, Freedom of the District has been awarded to 12 residents and Alderman/woman Status conferred on 3 former District Councillors.

These prestigious awards are conferred under Local Government Act 1972 to people of distinction within the district, who, in the opinion of the Council have rendered eminent services to the community of Warwick District.

At their meeting on 14 May, Councillors approved the nominations from two categories.

The first category is “Freedom of the District”, an honorary title showing a mark of distinction upon the person whom the Council wishes to honour. The Freedom itself carries no privilege it is purely an honour, reflecting the “eminence of the person on whom it is conferred on as recognition of significant and valuable services rendered to the district by that person”.

The first individuals to receive this award are:

• Jon Holmes – 50 years’ service to WDC, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, improving green spaces and Biodiversity
• Jennifer Heath – Whitnash Youth Club, Dementia Café, Chatternatters
• Dawid Kolowski – Humanitarian Aid and local cultural events
• Gian Clare – United Nations Association
• Richard Philips – Festival Director of Leamington Music (retired)
• Anthony Britton – the Pam Britton Trust for Dementia, The Little Pocket book of Support
• Margaret Rushton – Leamington History Group
• Carole Sleight – Arts and Community engagement
• Margaret Kite – 30 years of volunteer work for local charities
• Andrew Emm – volunteer groups at Dale Street Methodist Church
• Bridget Halpin – Girlguiding volunteer
• Julie Brown – Girlguiding volunteer

The second category was to recognise conferring the status of Alderman (or Alderwoman), which is also an Honorary title from the Council for any former councillor who, in the opinion of the Council, has rendered “eminent services to the Authority”. This award recognises the specific Aldachievements of former councillors and the contribution they made to the growth and development of the district, or the impact on our community. The past Councillors receiving the Alderman/Alderwoman of the District are:

• Alderman Margaret Begg – 23 years as District Cllr from March 1984-2007
• Alderman Michael Coker – 39 years as District Cllr from May 1976-May 1995 and May 1999- 2019, and 49-years total as Cllr including time as a Town Councillor
• Alderwoman Jane Knight – 16 years as District Cllr from May 2003-May 2019

Chairman of Warwick District Council, Cllr Naveen Tangri said:

“I’m delighted that this coveted award recognises and celebrates the work of our unsung heroes, particularly as most of them are volunteers working behind the scenes to make things happen. These worthy winners, really stood out as pillars of the community whose remarkable commitment to their work hasn’t gone unnoticed by those they support.”

“I would like to pass on my heartfelt thanks for the valuable contribution they make to Warwick District and I’m very much looking forward to meeting them all to award them with the Freedom of the District.”

The Chairman of the Council and those receiving the award will attend an official presentation later in the year.