1 June 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.

NEWLY-elected Town Mayor Dick Sweatman made the formal presentation of a scroll recording the award of the Freedom of East Grinstead to the Rev Clive Everett-Allen last night.

Councillors joined Clive’s colleagues, parishioners and friends at a reception in the Meridian Hall to mark his retirement after 17 years as parish priest to St Swithun’s.

The Freedom award was a unanimously agreed recognition of service which will be awarded only rarely, said Dick Sweatman in handing over the framed scroll, but one which in Clive’s case was richly deserved.

“May this scroll mean that a part of East Grinstead goes with you. Know that you are always wlecome here, and we hope you will visit us from time to time,” he said.

In his speech thanking everyone for their support during his time in East Grinstead – including his wife Cyn – Clive said he could not believe that 17 years had passed since their arrival at St Swithun’s.

“But then time always goes fast when you are enjoying yourself,” he smiled.

Photos courtesy of East Grinstead Online

Town Mayor Dick Sweatman handing over the Freedom of East Grinstead scroll

Former Town Clerk Chris Rolley with his successor Julie Holden.