UNSUNG heroes in the district have been honoured.
For the first time, as part of Warwick District Council’s 50th anniversary celebrations, 12 residents have been awarded the Freedom of the District and Alderman/woman of the District status conferred on three former district councillors.
The prestigious awards, which is purely an honour with no extra privileges, is given to people who WDC’s deems to have “rendered eminent services” to the community.
Those awarded Freedom of the District are:
• Jon Holmes – 50 years’ service to WDC, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, improving
green spaces and Biodiversity
• Jennifer Heath – Whitnash Youth Club, Dementia Cafe, 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 past councillors receiving the Alderman/Alderwoman of the
District are:
• Alderman Margaret Begg – 23 years a councillor from 1984 to 2007
• Alderman Michael Coker – 39 years a councillor from 1976 to 1995
and 1999 to 2019, and 49 years total as a councillor including time as a town
councillor
• Alderwoman Jane Knight – 16 years a councillor from 2003 to 2019
Warwick District Council chair 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.”
Those receiving the award will be invited to an official presentation later in the year.
