2026 award recipients

Freedom of the Borough (Freemen and Freewomen)

John Burton

In recognition of his involvement in the history the Borough for 50 years and is the Chairman of the George Eliot Fellowship and Treasurer of the George Eliot Visitor Centre.

Major (Retd) Padam Bahadur Gurung (MVO)

In recognition of his service as a Gurkha veteran whose service spanned nearly three decades worldwide and was honoured as a Queen’s Gurkha Orderly Officer at Buckingham Palace and awarded the Member of the Royal Victorian Order.

Eric Tunnicliffe

In recognition as Chairman of Bedworth Lions and has been involved in the group for five decades and is the driving force behind the annual Bedworth Lions Bonfire, and the Santa sleigh ride.

Kenneth Whitehead

In recognition as Chairman of the Bedworth Armistice Parade Committee and has been involved with the group since 1982 when he started making videos of the event, selling them and ensuring the proceeds went to the group. The Peace Podium in Bedworth was built under his leadership.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Award of Merit

Stuart Smith

For his generosity in making garden planters, tables, and wooden log stores to raise valuable funds for Zoë’s Place Children’s Hospice.

Geoff Grewcock

For his dedication to wildlife conservation through the Nuneaton & Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary.

George Taylor Farren

For his services to our community in improving experiences for staff and patients at George Eliot Hospital. Also, for his dedication as Chair of the Armed Forces Community Staff Network.

Andrew and Jayne Sargeant

For their outstanding work in connection with the Nuneaton Carnival and providing valuable funds for local charities.

The Mayoral Award

Elaine Dunn

For her dedication in completing 50 years voluntary service in her role as Akela and Lead Section for Scouts.

2024 award recipients

Honorary Alderman or Honorary Alderwoman

Sheila Hancox

In recognition of the eminent services which she has rendered to the Council as a past member of this Council including as a former Mayoress and Cabinet Member

Bob Hicks

In recognition of the eminent services which he has rendered to the Council as a past member of this Council including as a former Mayor and Chairman of Committees and as Chairman of Warwickshire County Council

Geoff Ashford

In recognition of the eminent services which he has rendered to the Council as a past member of this Council including as a former Mayor, Cabinet Member and Deputy Leader

Sonja Wilson

In recognition of the eminent services which she has rendered to the Council as a past member of this Council including as a former Mayoress and Chairwoman of Committees

Freedom of the Borough (Freemen and Freewomen)

Carol Valentine

For her services to Nuneaton and Bedworth in her involvement with the Bedworth Poppy Appeal for over 20 years, Trustee of the Lee Rigby Foundation, an active member of the Bedworth Armistice Parade Group, supporting veterans, bereaved families, and children.

Julie Earnshaw

For her services to Nuneaton and Bedworth in respect of her contribution to dance nationally and within the Borough through teaching and training several British Championship winning teams in addition to the restoration of many buildings providing affordable housing to residents.

Gareth Edwards

In recognition of his contribution to film as an international film director, writer, cinematographer and visual effects artist.

Martin Bradley

For his services to the Bulkington community during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring residents in need received food supplies and a lifeline to the elderly and vulnerable. Also helping to run Bulkington’s foodbank and being an advocate for the village of Bulkington.

Murray Richards

For his services to Nuneaton and Bedworth serving in the military, coordinating parades across the Borough and maintaining the highest and most professional standards. Also, as an ambassador for the Borough, installing a strong sense of Civic Pride.

Frank Parker

For his services to the Borough as a longstanding businessman and his support to local charities and the local youth sports.

Paul Gough

For his services to the Borough of Nuneaton and Bedworth as the Town Crier, successfully representing the Borough in national competitions, and a Former Commonwealth Champion Town Crier.

Abeda Vorajee MBE

For her services to the Borough as a longstanding contributor to education as a teacher and governor, forming and Chairing the Nuneaton Muslim Women’s Group, Chairing the Local Ethnic Minority Advisory Council, and Trustee of Warwickshire Race Equality Partnership.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Award of Merit

David Harris Snr

For his work with the Warwickshire Youth Darts Organisation.

Jemma Vickers

For her work as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Nuneaton and Bedworth Sea Cadets.

David Greenwood

For helping to found the Nuneaton Ukelele Jam Band.

Jane Hanson

For her considerable contribution for the Nuneaton Festival of Arts as Chairperson for over 10 years.

The Mayoral Award

Rebecca Bailey and Sarah Bailey

For their work encouraging and nurturing moths and butterflies in their garden and on social media.

Naming of streets or public places

Fusilier Louis Carter Drive (formerly Clinic Drive) was renamed in honour of Fusilier Louis Carter, who died aged 18 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2009 while trying to save a comrade.