Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs. M. Bunker, J. T. Duddy, D. Hancox, Mrs. J. D. Luck and E. J. Murray.

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillor R. Hollingworth and Councillor P. M. McDonald:-

"1)   that in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, the Council admit The Mercian Regiment to be Honorary Freemen of the District of Bromsgrove in recognition of the service of generations of Bromsgrove men and women, many of whom tragically lost their lives or were wounded in the cause of preserving our freedoms, whilst serving in our County Regiment - The Worcestershire Regiment, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, or their successor body, The Mercian Regiment, and that the Regiment’s name be enrolled on the Freeman’s Roll;

2)         that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to an Honorary Freedom Scroll to be presented to The Mercian Regiment;

3)         that arrangements be made for a Freedom March by The Mercian Regiment in due course.”

Members considered the following motion moved by Councillor R. Hollingworth and seconded by Councillor P. M. McDonald:

"1)   that in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, the Council admit The Mercian Regiment to be Honorary Freemen of the District of Bromsgrove in recognition of the service of generations of Bromsgrove men and women, many of whom tragically lost their lives or were wounded in the cause of preserving our freedoms, whilst serving in our County Regiment - The Worcestershire Regiment, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, or their successor body, The Mercian Regiment, and that the Regiment’s name be enrolled on the Freeman’s Roll;

2)         that the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to an Honorary Freedom Scroll to be presented to The Mercian Regiment;

3)         that arrangements be made for a Freedom March by The Mercian Regiment in due course.”

Following the speeches from the proposer and seconder, a number of other Members added their own tributes and reflections; this being the first occasion on which such an honour had been considered by the Council.

Having been put to the vote, the Chairman declared the motion to be unanimously CARRIED.  

The Chairman invited Lieutenant Colonel D. P. Wilford, Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion of the Mercian Regiment to accept the honour by signing the Freeman’s Roll and the Honorary Freedom Scroll. The Chairman and Chief Executive witnessed the signing of the documents.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Lieutenant Colonel D. P. Wilford addressed the Chamber in which he expressed his thanks and appreciation of the conferring of this honour by the Council.

The Chairman offered congratulations to The Mercian Regiment on behalf of the District and people of Bromsgrove, following which the Chairman and Lieutenant Colonel D. P. Wilford exchanged gifts between the Council and The Regiment.

The Chairman then closed the meeting in order for official photographs to be taken.