Four win their freedom
THE borough of Barking and Dagenham literally threw open its doors to four citizens whose contribution has been worthy enough to give them the Freedom of the Borough. Disabled Olympic star, Beverley Gull, Councillor Inder Singh Jamu, Stephen Thompson, MD
THE borough of Barking and Dagenham literally threw open its doors to four citizens whose contribution has been worthy enough to give them the Freedom of the Borough.
Disabled Olympic star, Beverley Gull, Councillor Inder Singh Jamu, Stephen Thompson, MD of Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club and businessman Jeremy West, all stood proudly before a special Council meeting on Friday.
The four have been in the forefront of promoting the borough and selflessly giving their time to help others and in recognition of their contribution, received the highest honour the borough could bestow.
Olympian swimmer, Beverley received a tremendous tribute from Leader of the Council, Cllr Charles Fairbrass.
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He recalled her contribution to sport and raising the profile of disabled swimmers listing her 41 Gold, 13 Silver and three Bronze medals as well as achieving 13 World Records in her career.
Cllr Inder Singh Jamu received a glowing tribute from Cllr Liam Smith, who described the long serving councillor as 'always smiling' and having achieved so much.
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The councillor's sister, Inder Kaur, had specially flown in from the Punjab to witness the ceremony. Avid football fan, Cllr Graham Bramley spoke next on Stephen Thompson of 'Daggers', recording the borough's pride in his guidance and achievement in getting the Conference team into the Football League. Cllr Bramley also spoke of the amount of work Mr Thompson puts into youth and community schemes.
Finally, Cllr Bob Little spoke of businessman Jeremy West, whose family spans more than two centuries of connection with Dagenham. Mr West has been prominent in making his funeral business into one of the most innovative and caring, winning many accolades in the business community, but also his vast support for local organisations and charities, such as Living the Dream, the 2012 charity supporting the boroughs athletes.
Freedom of the Borough is an honour and only conferred on people of distinction and those who have 'rendered eminent services to the Borough.
