The four new Freemen of the Borough received their badges and certificates from the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth Cllr Bhim Saru at a ceremony at Nuneaton Town Hall last night.
Freemen and Freewomen are individuals honoured by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council for outstanding service or bringing renown to the area.
It is the highest award the Council can bestow on a citizen, given to those who have rendered eminent services to the Borough and is open to nominations from the public.
The new Freemen are:
John Burton - Mr Burton has been involved 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.
A former English teacher at Manor Park School, he is Chairman of the Chilvers Coton Heritage Centre, which is the current Mayor’s charity.
Major (Retd) Padam Bahadur Gurung (MVO) - Major Gurung is 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.
Since retiring, Major Gurung has continued to serve the community in Nuneaton as Chief Advisor to the British Gurkha Veterans Association and has worked to support young people in reducing crime and tackling drug abuse.
Eric Tunnicliffe - Mr Tunnicliffe is the 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.
Bedworth Lions under Eric have raised many tens of thousands of pounds which is given to support local charities, and community organisations.
Kenneth Whitehead - Mr Whitehead is 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.
Under his leadership the Committee has gone from strength to strength and was instrumental in getting the Peace Podium built.
Cllr Steve Hey, Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said:
“We are delighted that we have been able to honour Mr Burton, Major Gurung, Mr Tunnicliffe, and Mr Whitehead in this manner.
“Being a Freeman of Nuneaton and Bedworth is a major accolade and one which is not bestowed lightly.
“All four have given magnificent service to our Borough for many decades and are an inspiration to us all.’’
Details of previous Civic Honour award recipients can be found on our website.