Freeman award as village says a public thank-you
Robin Radford
A special honour awarded for the very first time has gone to a Kensworth grandad.
Robin Radford, 74, of Nash Farm, Common Road, has become the first “Honorary Freeman of the Parish of Kensworth”.
Delighted Mr Radford told the Gazette: “It is quite an honour, and it is very unusual!”
The retired milkman had already been appointed an MBE in 2006, for services to the community in Kensworth.
Now Kensworth Parish Council has conferred its own public recognition on the villager with the new honorary freeman award.
The award, which does not bring special privileges, is a mark of appreciation for his unflagging community work.
Mr Radford and wife Jean have two sons and six grandchildren. He stepped down as chairman of Kensworth Parish Council last year after 15 years in that role. In all, he had served as a Kensworth parish councillor for 21 years.
His other tireless community service has included support for a range of good causes, including Keech Hospice Care.
Mr Radford was given a scroll by the parish council on Friday, March 1, at a gathering with more than 80 guests in Kensworth Village Hall.
The scroll declares that he is “a person of distinction” who has rendered “eminent services” to Kensworth, and to Bedfordshire in general.
And the scroll also highlights his 40-plus years of service for the community, his work in instigating and organising a village carnival for 26 years, and the thousands of pounds which he has raised for worthy causes.
Councillor Pat Mitchell, chairman of the parish council, presented the award.
She said: “In recognition of Robin’s achievements, the parish council did not know what would be an appropriate award for a man who had already received an MBE from the Queen.
“The council decided to offer an Honorary Freeman of Kensworth as this was a more personal award from the parish of Kensworth.”
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Thursday 20 June 2013
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