Latest news with #HonoraryFreeman
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Wonderful tributes to Stroud legend as hundreds pack venue
WITH a colourful procession of several hundred people, John Marjoram was laid to rest in the June sunshine, surrounded by a circle of family, friends and the many people who had been inspired by the 'fearless and feisty' former mayor of Stroud. The funeral of John Marjoram, held in the heart of the town in the Subscription Rooms on Monday, was a perfect celebration of a man who lived life as a campaigner for peace and his community. With around 450 people sitting in an intimate semi-circle in the Sub Room's ballroom, with more sitting on the stage and balcony and standing at the back, it was no surprise that the venue reached capacity. Outside on the forecourt a further 50 people stood in the sun coming together to remember and celebrate John. The service opened in the Quaker tradition with a silent contemplation. Fiona Meadley, of Painswick Quakers invited the gathering, to sit in silence and 'reach the peace that lies beyond words.' The eulogy was given by Aaron Mirkin of Stroud's Christian Community who invited us to remember our 'feisty and fearless friend John Marjoram.' He recounted John's 'deep humanity, kindness and courage and his capacity to offer up everything he had for what he believed was right, and doing this by 'thinking globally and acting locally.' 'He had a natural and instinctive vision for a better world - the world how it could be - a vision of the world of peace of love and brotherhood and sisterhood.' The eulogy described John's love of nature, his lifelong pacifism and his commitment to the community of Stroud, and beyond. John grew up in rural Essex in the 1940s, the start of his enduring love of nature. The experiences of his two uncles - one of whom was a conscientious objector during World War One and the other a veteran of the war who told John of the horrors he'd seen - inspired John to campaign for peace throughout his life. He became involved with the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Peace Pledge Union, and was twice arrested for breaking into American military bases. John moved to Stonehouse in 1967 and then to Stroud in 1970. He worked as a gardener at Wynstones School and then at the Home Farm Trust in Frocester where he worked for 29 years until he retired. In 1975 John co-founded the Stroud district branch of the Ecology Party, which later became the Green Party. In 1986 he became one of the first Green councillors in the UK and represented the Trinity ward seat on Stroud District Council for 35 years. He was also one of the first councillors elected to Stroud Town Council when it was formed in 1990. He campaigned to save many important landmarks of Stroud - Hill Paul, Woodchester Mansion, Uplands Post Office, Lansdown Hall - and to save the Subscription Rooms from private ownership and Stroud Maternity Hospital from closure. In 2023 John was honoured with the first Honorary Freeman of the Town in recognition of his services to the community. 'We're going to miss our feisty and fearless friend very much,' Aaron told the gathering before encouraging us 'to take up the weighty baton he passed on to us' and remember his mission that; 'if we don't do the impossible, we will be faced with the unthinkable.'' (Image: Annabel Richmond) John's wife Laura Ridolfi read the poem 'I Love You,' by Mario Benedetti which was followed by a prayer and a short song for peace. It is believed to be the first time the Subscription Rooms has ever hosted a funeral, and it was a fitting venue for the funeral of Stroud's former mayor whose life was lived at the heart of the community. John's simple coffin adorned with flowers was carried out into the sunshine on the forecourt and onto a hand cart for a slow procession to Stroud Cemetery. Stroud's Red Band accompanied the colourful procession of several hundred people - some carrying rainbow Peace flags - which made its way up Stroud High Street, past John's home on Castle Street and along Horn's Road to Stroud Cemetery. The procession arrived at the cemetery to the band's gentle playing of Wonderful World and He Ain't Heavy, He's my Brother. John was laid to rest in the beautiful June sunshine, surrounded by a circle of family and friends, the sound of birdsong, wood pigeons, the scent of elderflower, and ending with a rendition of Kahlil Gibran's words on the nature of death, from The Prophet. It was the perfect remembrance of a man whose lifelong work had inspired so many. Following the burial, friends were invited to return to the Sub Rooms for a bring-and-share lunch, and a relaxed memorial gathering to share memories and celebrate John's life. (Image: Annabel Richmond) (Image: Annabel Richmond) Well over 100 people came to remember and share their memories and stories – with contributions from such Stroud icons as Jehanne and Rob Mehta and Will Mercer (aka Earthwards), who performed Jehanne's evocatively beautiful song 'This Place'; the Green Party's Molly Scott-Cato and Lucas Schoemaker and Elvis ('The Poet') McGonagall. Adrian Keefe, music therapist from Mindsong, played some of John's favourite songs. Political and more personal memories were woven with humour, love and a great sense of loss. The assembled gathering also shared CAKE, Lisa's remarkable sugar-free, gluten-free vegan cakes, for John was a great lover of good cake. And perhaps inevitably, the wonderful sharing of memories and stories about John was ended with the old crooner, Frank Sinatra, singing 'I Did It My Way': so often a coarse karaoke cliché, these days, of course, but in the case of John Marjoram and his great life's work, an entirely fitting ending to a memorable day in Stroud's history.
West Australian
4 days ago
- General
- West Australian
Capel's chief firefighter awarded Honorary Freeman title after half-century of service
A Capel stalwart has been awarded the most prestigious award on offer by the shire in recognition of more than half a century of dedicated community service. Chris Scott will retire from his role as the shire's chief bush fire control officer on June 1, a position he has held since 2000. To commemorate his service, he was awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the Shire of Capel — an accolade reserved for individuals who have demonstrated 'exceptional meritorious service to the community over an extended period'. Mr Scott began his firefighting career at the age of 16 and was appointed as deputy chief bush fire control officer in 1990, before ascending to the top role a decade later. Throughout his tenure he has overseen training and resourcing, maintained brigade readiness and liaised with the shire on fire mitigation and suppression strategies. As chief, Mr Scott has been the incident controller for all major bushfires in the Shire of Capel and has also made himself available for deployment across the country. Shire president Doug Kitchen expressed deep gratitude and admiration for Mr Scott's contribution at his retirement ceremony, where he was bestowed with the award. 'Chris Scott has given a lifetime of service to the people of the Shire of Capel,' he said. 'His leadership, humility and dedication to duty in keeping our community safe are truly inspirational. 'The title of Honorary Freeman is a rare and special honour and it is most fitting we recognise Chris in this way.' It isn't the first time Mr Scott has been commended for his service. In 2024, he was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal as part of the Australia Day honours list. The latest accolade, presented by another shire freeman in his brother Murray Scott, is yet another celebration of a career dedicated to helping others.
ITV News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- ITV News
Eddie Howe granted Newcastle's highest honour in recognition of Carabao Cup win
Newcastle City Council have voted to bestow their highest honour on the manager of Newcastle United, Eddie Howe, following the team's Carabao Cup victory earlier this year. Councillors have agreed with a motion put forward by council leader Karen Kilgour, to award Howe with the Freedom of the City. The Wembley win on 16 March brought an end to a 70-year wait for domestic silverware for the club. Howe joins other club legends who have been also made Freemen of Newcastle, including Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer. Councillor Kilgour said: 'Eddie Howe will forever be a hero to Newcastle United supporters for his achievements during his time at the club so far, and I'm thrilled members recognised the significance of his contribution to our city by approving to bestow upon him the Honorary Freedom of Newcastle. 'Since day one, Eddie brought hope, belief and ambition back to the club and its fans around the world, myself included. 'More than being the man who brought silverware back to Tyneside, Eddie is a fantastic ambassador for our city. He is passionate yet calm, inspiring and polite, and handles himself with grace in the face of both success and defeat. Organisations can also be awarded Freedom of the City, and Newcastle United itself received the honour in 1993. The list also includes some iconic world figures in the fields of politics and entertainment, such as Nelson Mandela and Stevie Wonder. In her submission proposing Howe as an Honorary Freeman, Karen Kilgour said: "Eddie Howe's achievements during his time at Newcastle United are nothing short of extraordinary. "Newcastle United is part of the fabric of our city with the fortunes of the club playing a huge part in the lives of supporters in Newcastle and across the world." Honorary Freeman status is slightly different to being a Hereditary Freeman, who swear to defend the city from attacks and enjoy grazing rights for cattle and sheep on Town Moor. The title of Honorary Freeman comes with no powers or rights, but is instead a gesture of thanks and appreciation for the work that person has done for the city. A ceremony will be arranged to formally install Mr Howe as a Freeman of Newcastle, when he will be presented with a framed scroll. His name will also join the others in being engraved on the wall of the city council's Banqueting Hall.
West Australian
20-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Road renamed in honour Exmouth Shire's longest-serving CEO Kerry Graham for ‘visionary leadership'
The legacy of the Shire of Exmouth's longest-serving chief executive, the late Kerry Graham, has been celebrated with a road renamed in his honour. The section of road was renamed Kerry Graham Road at a special ceremony on May 12 at Exmouth Golf Club to mark the extraordinary contribution of Mr Graham to the shire. The ceremony was attended by Mr Graham's family and friends as well as current shire president Matt Niikkula and CEO Ben Lewis. Dedicating 34 years of his life to the Shire of Exmouth between 1970 and 2004, Mr Graham was chief executive for 31.5 years, the longest in the council's history. His leadership shone through during one of the darkest times for the region when, in 1999, category five cyclone Vance tore through the region. 'He stood as a pillar of strength for the community, working tirelessly with government agencies to rebuild lives and infrastructure,' Mr Niikkula said. 'He understood that rebuilding wasn't just about houses, it was about community.' According to council, some of his many achievements include helping to establish the Development Trust Fund for vital infrastructure projects such as the sealing of Burkett Road, Learmonth Airport terminal building, Exmouth Small Boat Harbour, and Exmouth Marina project. Mr Graham was also instrumental in overseeing the Community Loan Fund, a critical resource for Exmouth's many clubs and organisations, recognising the importance of preserving Exmouth's heritage, leading to the registration of Point Cloates Whaling Station as a State Registered Place and foreseeing Exmouth's potential as a world-class tourism destination and laying the groundwork for its economic diversification. 'His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment earned him the shire's highest honour, Honorary Freeman, bestowed in September 2004,' Niikkula said. It is fitting that the road named in his honour is the entry road to the Exmouth Golf Club, a place that was special to Mr Graham and his contributions immense. He served the club in various roles, including president, secretary and captain as well as being the driving force behind the Exmouth Open Golf Day. 'The renaming of this road is a permanent tribute to Kerry Graham's spirit of service, dedication and love for the Exmouth community,'Mr Niikkula said. 'His contributions have left an indelible mark on the town and will continue to inspire future generations.'
The Independent
18-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Newcastle United boss nominated for Freedom of City after ending trophy drought
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been nominated to receive the Freedom of the City after he masterminded the club winning its first domestic trophy in 70 years. Karen Kilgour, the leader of Newcastle City Council, has put the wheels in motion to confer the city's highest honour on Howe following the Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday. Councillor Kilgour said: 'What Eddie has achieved during his time at Newcastle United is nothing short of extraordinary and I'm delighted to nominate him for Freedom of the City. 'Newcastle United is part of the fabric of our city with the fortunes of the club playing a huge part in the lives of supporters in Newcastle and across the world, myself included. 'Generations of supporters have never seen their beloved club lift a domestic trophy, and under his leadership, we all now have treasured memories of a truly unforgettable day. 'More than winning the Carabao Cup, he steadied the ship following his arrival and steered Newcastle towards a brighter future.' The club lost the 2023 final of the same competition. The council leader said: 'The disappointment of 2023's final didn't fester, it simply galvanised him and his team, the players and supporters to push to go further. 'Throughout his tenure he has handled himself with grace and dignity, being modest in success and measured in the face of any challenges. 'He will forever be a hero to our city and I'm incredibly proud to do my bit to recognise his accomplishments.' Howe's nomination has to be ratified by members at a full council meeting. Should the nomination be approved, Howe would join other notable Newcastle United figures in receiving the recognition, including Alan Shearer, the late Sir Bobby Robson and former goalkeeper Shaka Hislop for his work against racism. The club itself was awarded the Freedom of the City in the 1990s after celebrating its centenary year. The Honorary Freeman status is the highest honour the council can bestow on an eminent individual or group. Others to receive the honour include Nelson Mandela, Jonny Wilkinson, Brendan Foster and the Greggs bakery chain. Newcastle United last won the FA Cup in 1955 and it was 56 years since they won in Europe, lifting the Inter Cities Fairs Cup. The 32-year-old's magnificent header put United in front in the final against Liverpool, before Alexander Isak's second-half strike proved crucial as Eddie Howe's side ended the club's 70-year wait for a domestic trophy. Meanwhile, Dan Burn who scored the Magpies' opening goal is in line to be given the Freedom of Northumberland. Ashington-born and Blyth-raised, the giant defender was named Player of the Match and has joined up with the England squad for the first time at the age of 32. Cllr Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: 'It's a great victory for the region and the fact a local lad from Blyth played such a crucial part in this journey is wonderful. 'As a season ticket holder for over 30 years, I'm extremely proud, not only of this achievement but that someone from our county has been a part of it. 'I'm sure it's a dream come true for Dan, who's also had his first England call-up, and I believe this will inspire our young people to achieve their dreams. 'I intend to nominate Dan for the highest honour we can bestow; the Freedom of Northumberland.'
