Local historian Bill Shepard has been awarded honorary Freeman of Newport by Newport Parish Council.
The recent presentation, held in the theatre of the Quay Arts Centre, was attended by over 60 people and included a number of speakers.
Mr Brian Greening, who has co written a number of books with Mr Shepard, gave an amusing and affectionate speech and Dr Colin Pope emphasised the high regard the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society hold for Mr Shepard’s knowledge of flora on the Island. Mr Alan Leach from the Isle of Wight Postcard Club also said a few words and presented Mr Shepard with a postcard of the Quay from the year he was born.
The last time the title was conferred was 45 years ago, in 1972, to coincide with the end of the Borough status.
Chairman Lois Prior said:
“The Parish Council were unanimous in agreeing that Bill Shepard is an exceptionally worthy recipient of this title and we are delighted to be able to use the power within the Local Government Act to carry this out”.
Mr Shepard was presented with a scroll outlining the award along with an engraved silver scroll holder.
Thanks has been expressed by Newport Parish Council to Cllr Terry Martin for taking the photos and video and Paul Armfield of Quay Arts Centre for free use of the Theatre.
