Calderdale couple delayed by Middle East crisis finally get freeman and freewoman awards
A couple caught up in delays caused by the Middle East crisis have finally received their accolades for Calderdale’s highest honour.
Colin and Gillian Greenwood were set to receive their freeman and freewoman of the borough awards alongside the other awardee Chris Harris at a special ceremony in March.
But the Todmorden couple were caught up in travel issues relating to the crisis and unable to get home on time.
Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Steven Leigh, has now welcomed them to the council chamber at Halifax Town Hall to receive their awards.
Their family and friends and deputy lieutenant for West Yorkshire, Steve Duncan, were there to see the local philanthropists’ extraordinary kindness being recognised.
The Freedom of the Borough is the highest award that a council can bestow, and is for outstanding services to a place.
The title does not give any legal rights or responsibilities, but allows a ceremonial role at civic functions.
Colin and Gillian Greenwood have made generous contributions to many local projects benefiting the community.
This includes more than 50 grants for the arts, sport and helping people in need through food banks and other forms of support, significant contributions to the Duke of Wellington statue in The Woolshops in Halifax and the works at Halifax Minster, and investments in regenerating parts of Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.
After the devastating 2015 floods, they gave £100,000 match-funded to support Mytholmroyd Community Centre and recovery projects across Todmorden, Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge.
Coun Leigh said: “It was an honour to make Colin and Gillian Greenwood freeman and freewoman of the borough.
“We’re proud to be kind and considerate in Calderdale, and the Greenwoods have really gone the extra mile to help our communities.
The others most recently bestowed with the award are Sally Wainwright for placing Calderdale on the international map through her acclaimed TV dramas, and Hannah Cockroft for her eminent para-athlete achievements and motivational speaking.
The award is not given out lightly or often – Sally Wainwright’s award six years ago was the last until those to Colin, Gillian and Chris.
All recipients have pride of place on the roll of honour displayed at Halifax Town Hall.