A councillor who served on High Peak Borough Council for 43 years had been officially recognised for his outstanding work for the community by being made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough. 

John Pritchard, an independent, was a member of HPBC from 1976 until the 2019 election representing the Whaley Bridge and served as mayor with his wife Barbara in 1989/1990.  

A motion for him to be awarded the honour was made in October 2019 but Covid and then the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth delayed the event. 

The current High Peak mayor, Councillor Ollie Cross, presented Freeman Pritchard with an illuminated scroll and badge at a service held at Whaley Bridge Uniting Church on Monday, which was attended by dignitaries, councillors, and members of the community. 

Cllr Cross said it was his privilege to be able to honour one of High Peak’s most tireless and longstanding public servants.

“He has given exemplary service to the community of Whaley Bridge," he said, adding: "He is a shining example for those who hold public office to aspire to.” 

John and Barbara Pritchard

Leader of High Peak Borough Council, Cllr Anthony Mckeown, said the former borough councillor was supportive of new councillors including when he was first elected to the council. 

“I will always be grateful for John’s advice and wisdom and on the right way to go about things.” 

Town and Borough Councillor David Lomax said: “When John got up at the council you knew what he was going to say made sense and he wasn’t someone who said something for the sake of it. When he spoke, people listened.

“It is my honour to take over from John as the father of the Council. I have represented Whaley Bridge with John on the borough council for an awfully long time. To have that honour is something I really appreciate. We do miss you, many of us still wish you were there.” 

John Pritchard speaking at the ceremony 

Freeman Pritchard said: “Thank you for bestowing this honour upon me and I hope for the rest of my life I shall be worthy of it.” 

Freeman Pritchard has been a member of Whaley Bridge Town Council and its predecessor Whaley Bridge Urban Council since 1971. He has been instrumental in a large number of community groups and helped found the Friends of Whaley Bridge Station group. 

In a coalition in 2003, he took on the role as executive councillor for housing at HPBC. He has also been involved with Peak District Rural Housing, Whaley Bridge Amenity Society and Derbyshire Association of Local Councils, as well as numerous other organisations.  

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