Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Mike Booth, Danny Cassidy, Loraine Cox, Marlene Haworth and Joyce Plummer.

There were no declarations of interest or dispensations submitted.

Report attached.

Members considered a report of the Executive Director (Legal and Democratic Services) seeking approval to the appointment of new Aldermen and Freemen of the Borough for 2025 in respect of the following persons:

Freemen

• Mrs Hilary Austin
• Mr Stephen Hutchinson BEM
• Mr Rawden Kerr
• Mr Zack Kerr
• Ms Anne Lincoln

Aldermen

• Mr Peter Britcliffe
• Mr Graham Jones
• Mr Abdul Khan
• Mr Malcolm Pritchard

Freemen Appointments

To qualify for appointment as a freeman the proposed recipient had to be:

(a)    persons of distinction, or

(b)    persons who had, in the opinion of the authority, rendered eminent services to that place or area.

The individuals proposed were notable as follows:

Mrs Hilary Austin

Hilary was the Chairperson for the Church & Oswaldtwistle Royal British Legion Branch and the Chairperson for Accrington & District Royal Airforce Air Cadets.

Hilary’s work and dedication to the community and all the events that were organised was valued within this Borough.

Mr Stephen Hutchinson BEM

Stephen was Lieutenant of the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) and Chair, Accrington and District Unit Sea Cadets.  He had been awarded the British Empire Medal in 2022.  Stephen also worked for the local company Prospects as the Low Carbon Community Buildings Officer.

Mr Rawden Kerr

Rawden was the Town Crier for Great Harwood and was often called upon to officiate at events, not only throughout Hyndburn, but also in other parts of East Lancashire.   Rawden excelled at his craft, having been town crying for the past 15 years and was one of the best in UK.  He had scooped the award for British Championships ‘best content of cry’ in 2023.

Mr Zack Kerr

Zack was a Changing Places ambassador who had won the Positive Role Model for Disability Award at the National Diversity Awards in 2021.  He continued to successfully campaign for disabled facilities and raise awareness for other notable causes in the Hyndburn area.

Ms Anne Lincoln

Anne was a Pastor at Clayton Baptist Church whose charitable work supported struggling individuals and families across Hyndburn and beyond.  From Food Parcels and Free Lunches to Christmas Markets and Warm Spaces provider, Anne’s impact could be felt across the Borough.

Aldermen Appointments

To qualify for appointment as an aldermen the proposed recipient had to have rendered eminent services to the Council as a past member of the Council, but must not currently be a member of the Council (section 249(1) Local Government Act 1972).

Additional guidance as to eligibility was provided in the Civic Protocol, including the following:

• 12 years’ service.
• Consideration would be given to members not having 12 years’ service but who had, during their years of office, held the title of Mayor, Mayoress, Consort, Leader of the Council or Leader of an Opposition group (providing the latter office was held for three years or more).

The proposed recipients Mr Peter Britcliffe, Mr Graham Jones, Mr Abdul Khan and Mr Malcom Pritchard all had lengthy and distinguished former service with the Council and/or were former Mayors of the Borough, or  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.