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
- 23 February 1987 - Councillor Percy Travis
- 2 December 1989 - The Rt Hon Robert Sheldon MP (now The Rt Hon Lord Sheldon
of Ashton-under-Lyne) - 22 October 1994 - The King’s Regiment
- 21 July 1995 - Tom Pendry MP (now The Rt Hon Lord Pendry of Stalybridge)
- 21 June 1998 - Sir George Kenyon DL, JP, BSc, LLD
- 21 June 1998 - Councillor Charles A Meredith JP (now Charles A Meredith MBE, JP)
- 31 January 2003 - Councillor Martin Wareing MBE, JP
- 31 January 2003 - J Geoffrey Brierley
- 10 June 2005 - Councillor SR Oldham CBE, CEng, MIMechE
- 17 April 2007 - The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
- 21 May 2013 - The Mercian Regiment
- 25 July 2017 - Sir Geoff Hurst MBE
- 3 December 2019 - Dr Ron Hill MBE
Honorary Aldermen/Alderwomen of the Borough
The Council may confer the title of Honorary Alderman/Alderwomen 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/Alderwomen of the Borough does not convey with it any legal rights or responsibilities, Honorary Aldermen/Alderwomen support the office of Mayor and are invited to attend civic ceremonial events.
Roll of Honorary Aldermen/Alderwomen of the Borough
- 23 June 2000 - George Hatton JP
- 23 June 2000 - Katherine W Shaw
- 19 May 2006 - Lena Eason JP
- 18 May 2007 - Joseph Fitzpatrick
- 23 May 2017 - Michael P. Ballagher
- 23 May 2017 - J. Alan Whitehead
- 23 May 2017 - Margaret E. Downs
- 21 May 2018 - James Middleton
- 21 May 2019 - Stuart S. Bell
- 21 March 2022 - Brian Wild JP
- 24 May 2022 - Margaret C. Sidebottom