Honorary Freedom of the Borough
PR 143
7 March 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hemsby Inshore Rescue Service and Borough Councillor David Walter Thompson are to receive Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Great Yarmouth at a ceremony on March 15.
It is the first time the honour has been bestowed since 2002, when Caister Parish Councillor and Borough Councillor John Chase was made a freeman.
The Inshore Rescue Service is to be recognised for the valuable service is has rendered to residents and visitors over 30 years.
Founded in 1975, the independent voluntary service has carried out more than 12,000 callouts at sea and on the Norfolk Broads.
David Thompson has been a Borough Councillor on the Fleggburgh Ward since 1974. He currently serves on several committees including vice-chair of Development Control.
The honour also reflects other posts he has held in the last 40 years including Chairman and Secretary of Filby Parish Council, Chairman and Governor of Filby School, a member of the Broads Authority and as Mayor of the Borough in 2001/2.
In days of yore a freeman had the right to take stock such as goats and sheep through the market place without paying taxes. Nowadays their name is added to an engraved plaque in the town hall.
The ceremony sees the Council passing a resolution to admit the people proposed as Honorary Freemen of the Borough.
“Freedom is the ultimate honour we can bestow for service to the Borough,” said Councillor Barry Coleman, Leader of the Council. “Both recipients have made a tremendous contribution to our community over several decades.”
For further information call Mayor’s Secretary Laura Goodman on 01493 846125.
Photographic note:
1 Hemsby Inshore Lifeboat
2 David Thompson
Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513