On Tuesday 29th November, Sheila Friend-Smith and Richard John Hobbs were presented with the Freedom of the City of Ely by our current Mayor Cllr Richard Morgan.
The Mayors speech from the evening is as follows:
Ladies and gentlemen, Members of the Council, Madam Clerk, former Mayors of the City, friends and relatives of Sheila Friend-Smith and Richard John Hobbs.
In November 2019 the late Mayor Michael Rouse proposed that these nominations be made.
At this point I ought to acknowledge a personal interest here: Mrs Friend-Smith was my French teacher 40 years ago so I must say: “Bienvenue tout le monde!” – with apologies to Cllr Virginie Ganivet!
We gather today in a moment almost unique in the history of the City of Ely
This is only the second time that the City Council has solemnly resolved that the Mayor of the City of Ely Council shall proclaim the Freedom of the City of Ely on two outstanding living individuals – an honour bestowed, I am informed, on those whose stately ship of life, having weathered the severest of storms of a troubled quarter-century, is now anchored in tranquil waters.
Sheila and Richard have been our Mayors more than once.
Politics is the art of the possible and from two distinct political persuasions they reached out across the aisle.
Sheila and Richard were both members of the District Council and they were both enthusiastic about the Ely Master Plan that was constituted 12 years ago, and ultimately gave rise to the cinema complex, the new bypass, and the new housing to the north of the city, all of which have contributed to the prosperity of the city.
As city councillors they worked together on various city initiatives, including installing the lift and bringing Sessions House into use as the City Council Headquarters.
In proclaiming them Freemen of the City of Ely, I only propose a formal recognition of the place they have long since won in the history of this place and in the affections of our fellow citizens.
I now shall read the citations:
At a Meeting of the Council held on the 18th November 2019 it was RESOLVED That the Council place on record sincere appreciation of MRS SHEILA FRIEND-SMITH MBE for the long and valuable service she has rendered to the citizens of the City of Ely by her dedicated commitment as Mayor and Councillor of the City of Ely Council, Chairman and Councillor of East Cambs District Council and County Councillor for Cambridgeshire County Council, as Governor for Highfields School, Ely College and the Lantern School and founder of the Friends of Jubilee Gardens. Also, for her commitment as Chairman of ACHE, spokesperson for Social Services and her contribution to the Carer’s Charter and for her years of dedication to the Needham’s Foundation, Ely Perspective and her contribution to the setting up of the Old Dispensary Community venue. Also, for her services to the Ely in Bloom Committee and her involvement in the Bernie Parker gardening award project for schools.
In recognition for services to the local community.
That, as an expression of the high esteem in which she is held, Sheila Friend-Smith MBE should be made an Honorary Freeman of the City of Ely, and that a copy of this Resolution under the Seal of the Council be presented to her.
The Common Seal of the City of Ely Council was affixed hereto this Twenty-ninth Day of December 2022 and signed by me The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Ely Cllr Richard Morgan
At a Meeting of the Council held on the 18th November 2019 it was RESOLVED That the Council place on record sincere appreciation of MR RICHARD HOBBS for the long and valuable service he has rendered to the citizens of the City of Ely by his dedicated commitment as Mayor and Councillor of the City of Ely Council and East Cambs District Council, Chair of Governors for Ely St John’s Primary School, and founder member of Fenprobe. Also, for his commitment as Chairman of the Needham’s Foundation, Ribe Twinning Association, founder member of Campaign Amateur Theatre and for his contribution to the saving of the Princess of Wales Hospital and voluntary services at Ely Cathedral.
In recognition for services to the local community.
That, as an expression of the high esteem in which he is held, Richard Hobbs should be made an Honorary Freeman of the City of Ely, and that a copy of this Resolution under the Seal of the Council be presented to him.
The Common Seal of the City of Ely Council was affixed hereto this Twenty-ninth Day of December 2022 and signed by me The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Ely Cllr Richard Morgan
So now I shall formally admit them,
“I, Richard Morgan, Mayor of Ely and Chairman of Ely City Council do formally admit Sheila Friend-Smith MBE and Richard John Hobbs to the Roll of Honorary Freeman of the City of Ely, and do hereby confer upon them all rights and dignities of that office.”
Written by Richard Morgan, Mayor of Ely and Chairman of Ely City Council
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