The talented trio comprise former Whitefield councillor Derek Boden OBE, Bury FC general manager Jill Neville, and East Bury community activist Harry Reed.
They will be presented with commemorative medals and scrolls at a special meeting of Bury Council on Wednesday 4 July, starting at 4pm.
They will follow in the footsteps of recent Freemen of Bury, who include the Oscar-winning film-maker Danny Boyle, members of the rock group Elbow, and Paralympian gold medallist Zoe Robinson, along with the late Albert Little, the first leader of the council and former mayor.
Councillor Mike Connolly, leader of the council, said: “All our new Freemen – and Freewoman – have a long record of outstanding work in the community. They have been a real asset to Bury and make a big difference to people’s lives, and we are delighted to give them this honour in recognition of their effort and dedication.”
The new Freemen:
Derek Boden was first elected to the former Whitefield Urban District Council in 1972, becoming a member of the new Bury Metropolitan Borough Council in 1974. He represented Besses ward in Whitefield for 40 years until standing down in last month’s (May 2012) local elections.
Mr Boden (aged 75) was leader of Bury Council from 1997 to 2001, and also served as leader of the North West Regional Assembly. He received the OBE from the Queen in 2004 in recognition of his long service to local government.
Derek is married to Jean, and has two children and three grandchildren. He worked as an engineer with ICI for 27 years, helping to design and supervise construction of new plants.
“It’s an honour to be made a freeman,” he said, “but it’s not a recognition of something that only I have done, but a result of working together with many people to make a difference, including the residents of Besses. And it’s only possible because of the forbearance of my family who have had to put up with a lot over the years!”
Jill Neville – a sporting stalwart, who has been company secretary of Bury FC for more than 20 years and also general manager for the last three.
She will be given Freedom of the Borough “in recognition of her unique and enduring contribution to the development of Bury Football Club as a community club, women’s sport and more generally sport in the community”
Jill, of course, comes from a very sporting family: her children include the football stars Gary and Phil Neville, and netball champion Tracey, who have all represented England. Her husband Neville Neville is also well-known in football and enjoyed a long association with Bury FC.
Jill is Bury born and bred, and still lives in the borough. She used to work for the council in the environmental health and housing departments in between raising her family, and ran her own business before joining Bury FC. Now aged 61, she still plays rounders and netball and continues to promote sport in the area.
“It took my breath away when I got the letter,” she said. “I didn’t think I was qualified for it! But I am deeply honoured.”
Harry Reed – is a well-known and popular local community activist in East Bury, and a long-standing member of Pimhole Residents Group. He was also chairman of the SRB steering group that brought regeneration to the area.
His award is given “in recognition of his long and outstanding contribution to community work, and in particular for his persistently valuable commitment and dedication to the well-being of residents and the regeneration of East Bury”.
Harry (aged 77) is Bury also born and bred, and has lived nearly all his life in the town. A widower (his wife Mary passed away in 2008 shortly before the couple’s golden anniversary), they have four children and three grandchildren. He has been self-employed for most of his working life.
“I was once described as not so much a political activist but a tolerable nuisance!” said Harry, who is vice-chairman of Bury Youth Sports Association and a volunteer park ranger. “I’m a general factotum – people say if you want anything doing, ask Harry, which makes life all worthwhile.
“Freedom of the Borough is something I never expected. I’ve been given community awards in the past, but not anything like this, and I’m very proud to accept it. It just shows that, no matter what your station in life or where you were born, what can be achieved if you try.”
