Freedom of Scarborough Borough for Beth Mead and Zoe Aldcroft

The last ever meeting of Scarborough Borough Council Borough has bestowed honours on the sports stars as well as long serving councillors.

In Scarborough Borough Council’s last ever full council meeting on Monday 20 March, civic honours were bestowed on two professional sporting stars, eleven councillors and one Honorary Freeman. A posthumous award was made to a former councillor and borough mayor.

The occasion also marked the soon to be end of a local government chapter that began 49 years ago in 1974. 31 March will be the final day of business for Scarborough Borough Council before the new North Yorkshire Council takes on responsibility for all council services from 1 April.
 
During the meeting, the prestigious honour of Freedom of the Borough of Scarborough was bestowed upon Arsenal and England footballer and Golden Boot winner, Beth Mead MBE, who grew up in Hinderwell near Whitby, and Gloucester-Hartpury and England rugby union player, Zoe Aldcroft, from Scarborough.

Beth received her award from the Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough, Councillor Eric Broadbent, while Zoe’s award was accepted on her behalf by her parents. Zoe was unable to attend in person due to her current training schedule.

Beth was nominated by Councillor Heather Philips.

Beth said that receiving an award from her local community is a special moment

Zoe Aldcroft was nominated for her award by borough councillor, Janet Jefferson.

Zoe's mum Ros accepted the award on her behalf.

Long serving councillors Janet Jefferson, Helen Mallory and Jane Mortimer were each made an Honorary Alderwoman of the Borough of Scarborough, and councillors Andrew Backhouse, Derek Bastiman, Eric Broadbent, Bill Chatt, Sam Cross, Mike Cockerill, David Jeffels and Tony Randerson were each made an Honorary Alderman of the Borough of Scarborough.

The late Mrs Hazel Lynskey, former councillor and borough mayor who died last year, was posthumously made an Honorary Alderwoman of the Borough of Scarborough. The award was accepted by her son, Mike Lynskey.

Lifetime of Service awards were presented to Honorary Alderman Godfrey Allanson and Councillor David Jeffels. Both men were elected to Scarborough Borough Council when it formed in 1974.

Godfrey Allanson served on the council until 2019 and Councillor David Jeffels will continue to serve the electorate on the new North Yorkshire Council.

Councillor Eric Broadbent, Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough, said:

“Today has been momentous occasion, a celebration of outstanding individuals and a poignant look back at the achievements of almost half a century of council service.

“We are very proud of Beth and Zoe’s accolades in football and rugby union. As exports of our borough, their dedication to their sport, and their personal and team successes, are an inspiration to many girls and young women who have set their sights on a professional sporting career. They truly deserve the highest civic honour we can bestow.

“To our Honorary Alderman and Alderwomen and Lifetime of Service award recipients, thank you, on behalf of the people of our borough, for your loyal service, your dedication and your commitment. Together we can justifiably be proud of what we have achieved as Scarborough Borough Council since 1974.

“For me personally, it has been an honour to serve as Mayor. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in office and I now look forward to continuing to serve the people of Scarborough in my role as councillor on the new North Yorkshire Council.”

Beth Mead MBE said:

“I’m extremely honoured and proud to be receiving the Freedom of the Borough. I know it’s not something that has come about lightly and I know the magnitude of what it is to be getting such an honour.

“From a young girl with a dream to be a professional footballer I didn’t think any of this was a part of that dream, which makes it extra special. Thanks to everyone who believed and supported me, it really doesn’t go unmissed.”