7 April 2015

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

The Reverend Canon Clive Everett-Allen was admitted by unanimous vote at the Special Council Meeting at East Court to be the first Freeman of the East Grinstead Parish.

Clive said “This is an overwhelming honour, I had no idea until the call came asking if I would accept, should the Council vote to approve. I was delighted to confirm that I would. That I am the first freeman is a great privilege and one I shall treasure”.

A Town Council Spokesperson said “Clive has served as Vicar of the St Swithuns’ parish including St Barnabas and St Luke’s for 17 years. He has officiated at civic services, Remembrance Day, special services for town events, dedications and anything else that the town has asked of him, happy and sad events. Whether you are a regular member of the St Swithuns congregation or not, the likelihood is that Clive has at some point crossed your path” The Council wanted to recognize his support to the town as a whole as he will shortly be retiring and leaving the Parish. It is nice that a part of the town that he has served so long will remain with him.

Note to editors:

The right to confer the freedom of the Parish was made available to Parish Councils in 2009, a Council meeting has to be specially convened to vote on the matter, which is why the ordinary Council meeting followed at 7pm.

The conferring of the title entitles the freeman to enjoy such rights and privileges as the town council determine. At this time the only right will be a life entry on to the Town Civic list to invite him officially to future civic events.