Honorary Freemen of the Borough

The Freedom of the Borough is the highest award that the council can bestow.

It is a power that is very rarely used and is normally only awarded to local people who have in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Borough.

The award of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough does not convey with it any legal rights or responsibilities, other than a ceremonial role at civic functions. The award dates back to the middle ages when Freemen had commercial privileges and a route into a position of power in a town or city.

Associated with the “Freedom of the Borough” is the “Freedom of Entry” which the Council may award to service units which have rendered conspicuous service and which are closely associated with the Borough. The Freedom of Entry grants the service unit the right, privilege and honour of marching through the streets of Tameside on ceremonial occasions with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying.”

Roll of Honorary Freemen of the Borough

• 23rd February 1987 - Councillor Percy Travis
• 2nd December 1989 - The Rt Hon Robert Sheldon MP (now The Rt Hon Lord Sheldon of Ashton-under-Lyne)
• 22nd October 1994 - The King’s Regiment
• 21st July 1995 - Tom Pendry MP (now The Rt Hon Lord Pendry of Stalybridge
• 21st June 1998 - Sir George Kenyon DL, JP, BSc, LLD
• 21st June 1998 - Councillor Charles A Meredith JP (now Charles A Meredith MBE, JP)
• 31st January 2003 - Councillor Martin Wareing MBE, JP
• 31st January 2003 - J Geoffrey Brierley
• 10th June 2005 - Councillor S.R. Oldham CBE, CEng, MIMechE
• 17th April 2007 - The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment

Honorary Aldermen of the Borough

The Council may confer the title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough on persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Council as a past member.

Whilst the award of Honorary Alderman of the Borough does not convey with it any legal rights or responsibilities, Honorary Aldermen support the office of Mayor and are invited to attend civic ceremonial events.

Roll of Honorary Aldermen of the Borough

• 23rd June 2000 - George Hatton JP
• 23rd June 2000 - Katherine W Shaw
• 19th May 2006 - Lena Eason JP
• 18th May 2007 - Joseph Fitzpatrick