HONORARY FREEDOM OF THORNTON PARISH, SEFTON
Under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 parish and town councils were given the ability to confer the honour of Honorary Freedom on to an individual. The Freedom of the Parish is the highest honour the Parish Council can give.
The citation on the scroll reads:
“At a meeting of the Council it was unanimously resolved to grant the recipient the Honorary Freedom of the Parish. We the Council grant you this highest honour we can bestow for the valuable and eminent services to the community of Thornton for many years. We loudly applaud your valuable and sterling service whilst thanking you most sincerely.”
Granting the Freedom of the Parish:
The Honorary Freedom of the Parish is given to individuals who have done good work, given exceptional service or other notable undertakings that benefit the community of Thornton.
Section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act permits a local council to admit, further to a council resolution, to be honorary freemen or freewomen of the place or area for which it is the authority
a. persons of distinction
and
b. persons who have, in the opinion of the authority, rendered eminent services to that place or area.
The honour of Honorary Freedom on to an individual is entirely ceremonial and confers no powers or material honours or special privileges nor does it entitle the person to participate in the proceedings of the Council meetings or in any ceremonial events. The title is a mark of distinction upon the person whom the Council wishes to honour and represents a thank you to the recipient. It is purely an honour awarded for merit.
**************************************
June 2021 saw the conferment of the Honorary Freedom of the Parish on Reverend Canon Kath Rogers, vicar of All Saints with St Frideswyde Church, in recognition of her valued and outstanding service to the community. At the Annual Meeting of Thornton Parish Council on Monday 7 June 2021 it was unanimously agreed that Honorary Freedom be conferred upon Kath for her hard work and commitment to the community.
Full report from The Champion newspaper here: The Honorary Freedom of Thornton given to hardworking Reverend | Story from Champnews
Rev Canon Kath Rogers being presented with the scroll by vice-Chair Cllr James O’Keeffe with Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Clare Carragher
Thornton Parish Councillors with Mayor of Sefton Cllr Clare Carragher, Mayoress of Sefton and Honorary Freedom of Thornton recipient Rev Canon Kath Rogers
November 2023 saw the conferment of the Honorary Freedom of the Parish on George Pennington, retired parish councillor, in recognition of his long-standing dedication and commitment to working for the best for Thornton and its people with more than 20 years’ service on Thornton Parish Council. At the meeting of Thornton Parish Council on Wednesday 14 June 2023 it was unanimously agreed that Honorary Freedom be conferred upon George for his long-standing service to the community of Thornton.
Thornton Parish Councillors with Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns and Honorary Freedom of Thornton recipient George Pennington.
RECIPIENTS OF THE HONORARY FREEDOM OF THORNTON PARISH
The Freedom of the Parish of Thornton has been granted to the following people:
- Reverend Canon Kath Rogers (Resolution of Council – Monday 7 June 2021)
- George Pennington (Resolution of Council – Wednesday 14 June 2023)