Minutes:
This Special Meeting had been called in respect of conferring honorary Freedom of the Borough upon Jim Worgan and the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Jim Worgan
The Leader, Councillor Simon Tagg stated that he was pleased to propose this and said that Jim had made an immense contribution to the Borough through his work with the Newcastle Civic Society, the Museum, the Philip Astley Project and more, as well as his time as Macebearer to the Mayor. The Leader stated that he was a worthy recipient.
Councillor Simon White seconded the proposal stating that Jim had carried out endless research to ensure that the Borough’s history was well documented. Mention was made of Jim’s work within the mining communities and the numerous talks that he had given over the years. Jim was awarded a Certificate of Outstanding Service in 2007. Councillor White added that Jim was truly dedicated.
Councillor Stubbs stated that the proposal had the full support of the Labour Group. Jim had carried out some fantastic work in the community.
Members all agreed that this was a fully deserved honour, with particular reference being made to his work on the Minnie Pit and Diglake memorials.
Resolved: That the Council in exercise of their powers under Section
249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and being desirous of
expressing its admiration and appreciation of the long and eminent service given by Jim Worgan to local groups and societies within the Borough and his outstanding contribution to the promotion of the heritage of the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme and as a mark of esteem does confer upon him
the honorary Freedom of the Borough.
Royal Stoke University Hospital
The Mayor, Councillor John Cooper was pleased to propose this, stating that it was an organisation very close to his heart as they had provided assistance to himself and his family over the years and had served the people of North Staffordshire since 1948. The Mayor stated that he was both honoured and proud to propose this.
The Leader was pleased to second the proposal. Nationally and locally, a lot had been endured in the past year. As a result of the pandemic, people had stood on their doorsteps and clapped health workers and carers. It was only right that, as the pandemic eases, to award this to an organisation that was there for everyone. The Leader was proud for the Borough to award Freedom.
Councillor Stubbs stated that his Group fully supported this proposal. The hospital was a valuable asset and, for those working there it was a ‘calling’ not just a job. This Freedom was the least that the Council could do to honour the work – especially front line workers, over the last fourteen months.
Resolved: That the Council in exercise of their powers under Section
249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and being desirous of
expressing its admiration and appreciation of the long and eminent service given by The Royal Stoke University Hospital to
the residents of the Borough and especially their selfless work, dedication and care given to Borough residents and beyond, during the Coronavirus pandemic and as a mark of esteem does confer upon them the honorary Freedom of the Borough.