By Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 a council by resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members at a meeting of the council specially convened for the purpose with notice of the object, may admit ‘persons of distinction and persons who have in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the borough’ as Honorary Freeman or in the case of HM Services Units Freedom of the Borough.
The overriding principle is that these awards should be made on merit. Merit for awards is defined as:
- Achievement
- Exceptional Service
Awards should not just go with a job well done or because someone has reached a particular level, they should be awarded because an individual has, in plain terms, ‘gone the extra mile’ in the contribution they have made or stand out ‘head and shoulders’ above others in what has been achieved.
Those to be considered should either have delivered in a way that has brought distinction to borough life and enhanced the borough’s reputation in the area or activity concerned or which has contributed in a distinctive way to improving the lot of those less able to help themselves or have demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship which is delivering results in the borough.
The conferring of the title of Honorary Freeman is the highest honour that a Council of a borough can bestow and, in the view of many, should not be given too often.
The title of Honorary Freeman does not confer any rights on them however it is hoped that they would support the office of Mayor at Civic functions.
The conferring of the Freedom of the borough to Service Units ‘to march through the streets of the borough with bayonets fixed, drums beating and Colours flying’ is really an empty grant as, outside the City of London where the right has been zealously guarded for centuries, it does not seem that any City or borough could be entitled to prevent units of Her Majesty’s Forces from marching in the town. However, the practice has been generally accepted and provides a dignified and satisfactory means of enabling a City or Borough to honour a distinguished unit of her Majesty’s forces.
Borough of Basingstoke and Deane recipients
Arthur Harry George Attwood 20 April 1989 - deceased
Local Historian and Journalist
Betty Homes MBE 19 October 1989 – deceased 22 April 2009
Local charities, twin towns and community at large
Jack Lennox Jack 3 April 1997 - deceased
Borough and County Councillor and particular interest in planning and housing issues affecting the future of the borough
Borough of Basingstoke recipients
George William Willis 8 April 1954 - deceased
Russell Henry Howard 9 October 1958 - deceased
Royal Hampshire Regiment 16 July 1966 – Regiment is now amalgamated and is known as the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment (POWRR)
Royal Air Force Odiham 20 July 1968 - the ceremony took place in the War Memorial Park at 3pm and the Mayor Cllr J F Balding JP took the salute with the Commanding Officer of RAF Odiham, Group Captain W E Martin DFC, AFC, RAF
Oscar Clennell 2 July 1971 – deceased
Harold Jackson 2 July 1971 - deceased
Tom Pritchard 2 July 1971 - deceased
Nellie Lane 14 March 1974 - deceased
John Beadman Peat 14 March 1974 - deceased
Lionel John Stroud 14 March 1974 - deceased
Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Ammunition Depot Bramley 29 March 1974 – they no longer exist and therefore do not exercise their right
