Your chance to choose a Freeman of the Borough

20 November 2009

BARKING and Dagenham is believed to be the first council to ask residents to nominate the next Freeman of the Borough.

Twelve entries were whittled down to a final shortlist of three people by a panel of judges, made up of community leaders and existing freemen.

Nominees; Vera Reynolds, Val Shaw and Joan Brandon each stand a chance of receiving this ultimate honour, if the public votes for them.

Vera Reynolds, who was put forward by Gillian Coombs, from Dagenham, has served the borough as a teacher and now runs a club for the over 50s.

Gillian said: "Vera has served the borough in many ways.

"She taught at Campbell Junior School for 37 years and was a committed captain of the 3rd Becontree Girls Brigade for 50 years."

Val Shaw was nominated by Cllr Rocky Gill because of her dedication to volunteering for the disabled and elderly.

She is also a friend of Barking Park.

Cllr Gill said: "This honour would recognise Val's many years of dedicated work in the community."

And Joan Brandon was suggested for freeman by Bobby Green, from Dagenham, for her tireless commitment to the Volunteer Bureau and Barking College Corporation.

"She also sits on the Olympic Committee and Public Health network Board, amongst the many other things she does in order to support the residents of the borough," said Bobby.

You have until Monday November 30 to vote for the first publically chosen Freeman of the Borough.

Cast your vote online at www.lbbd,gov.uk/2-news-events/freedom/vote. Or by writing to Freedom of the Borough Award, Democratic Services, Room 148, Dagenham Civic Centre, RM10 7BN.

Please include your name and address as well as your choice of one candidate.

The winner will be formally announced in December and receive the honour at a special ceremony in January.