‘Highest tribute’ to new Freemen in civic ceremony

The Royal Anglian Regiment has been awarded Freedom of Entry to the Borough by Dacorum mayor Councillor Allan Lawson.
Royal Anglian Regiment, Dacorum Borough Council officials and standard bearers at the Freedom of the Borough ceremonyRoyal Anglian Regiment, Dacorum Borough Council officials and standard bearers at the Freedom of the Borough ceremony
Royal Anglian Regiment, Dacorum Borough Council officials and standard bearers at the Freedom of the Borough ceremony

The mayor presented Lieutenant Colonel Brown with a scroll to commemorate the ceremony which dates back to the Middle Ages when troops could not pass through boroughs without the permission of the council.

Lt Col Brown said: “It is a huge privilege for me personally and on behalf of the soldiers and Regiment to accept this honour.

“It is significant to all the men and women of the battalion, and in the dark and challenging days of combat occasions like this give our soliders strength in the knowledge that there is a resolute community that cares for them and supports them.”

Royal Anglian Regiment, Dacorum Borough Council officials and standard bearers at the Freedom of the Borough ceremonyRoyal Anglian Regiment, Dacorum Borough Council officials and standard bearers at the Freedom of the Borough ceremony
Royal Anglian Regiment, Dacorum Borough Council officials and standard bearers at the Freedom of the Borough ceremony

Recipients of the Freedom of the Borough on the same day included Hemel Hempstead businessman David Furnell, founder of Furnell Transport, who was “honoured” to receive the award for contributing to the voluntary sector, as well as his leadership in improving the borough’s business community.

David started the company in 1967 aged 20, and has been involved with many organisations, including the Dacorum Community Trust as well as several charities as a former trustee of Ian Rennie Hospice at Home and The Boxmoor Trust.

Heather Allen MBE was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in recognition of her support to the people of Dacorum through her contributions in the voluntary sector. Former chief executive of Dacorum Borough Council Daniel Zammit was also honoured in acknowledgement of his hard work and public service on behalf of all members of the community throughout the years.

Daniel was at the helm of the local authority from 2004 to 2013 before stepping down to spend time with his family.

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