A man has given half a century of service to the council and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is one of the first 12 people to be given the 'Freedom of the District' by Warwick District Council (WDC).

The local authority approved nominations for the list of "unsung heroes" earlier this month with John Holmes receiving the honour for his years of tireless work "improving green spaces and biodiversity".

Alongside the Freedom of the District awards, former councillors have been named Alderwomen/men in recognition of their long service.

The two awards are being handed out for the first time ever this year as part of WDC's 50th anniversary celebrations.

At the meeting on 14 May, councillors approved the nominations from two categories. 

The "Freedom of the District" is an honorary title showing a mark of distinction upon the person.

The freedom itself carries no privilege - it is purely an honour, reflecting the "eminence of the person on whom it is conferred on as recognition of significant and valuable services rendered to the district by that person". 

Margaret Kite, 93, turned on the Christmas lights on Kenilworth High Street last Christmas (image by Warwick District Council)

The first individuals to receive this award are: 

• Jon Holmes – 50 years' service to WDC, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, improving green spaces and Biodiversity 
• Jennifer Heath – Whitnash Youth Club, Dementia Café, Chatternatters 
• Dawid Kolowski – Humanitarian Aid and local cultural events 
• Gian Clare – United Nations Association 
• Richard Philips – Festival Director of Leamington Music (retired) 
• Anthony Britton – the Pam Britton Trust for Dementia, The Little Pocket book of Support 
• Margaret Rushton – Leamington History Group 
• Carole Sleight – Arts and Community engagement 
• Margaret Kite – 30 years of volunteer work for local charities 
• Andrew Emm – volunteer groups at Dale Street Methodist Church 
• Bridget Halpin – Girlguiding volunteer 
• Julie Brown – Girlguiding volunteer 

The second category was to recognise conferring the status of Alderman (or Alderwoman), which is also an Honorary title from the council for any former councillor who, in the opinion of the council, has rendered "eminent services to the authority". 

This award recognises the "specific achievements of former councillors" and the "contribution they made to the growth and development of the district, or the impact on our community". 

The past councillors receiving the Alderman/Alderwoman of the District are: 

• Alderman Margaret Begg - 23 years as District Cllr from March 1984-2007 
• Alderman Michael Coker - 39 years as District Cllr from May 1976-May 1995 and May 1999- 2019, and 49-years total as Cllr including time as a Town Councillor 
• Alderwoman Jane Knight - 16 years as District Cllr from May 2003-May 2019

Michael Coker (centre) served as Mayor of Kenilworth three times during his half century in local politics (image via University of Warwick)

Chairman of Warwick District Council, Cllr Naveen Tangri said: "I'm delighted that this coveted award recognises and celebrates the work of our unsung heroes, particularly as most of them are volunteers working behind the scenes to make things happen. 

"These worthy winners, really stood out as pillars of the community whose remarkable commitment to their work hasn't gone unnoticed by those they support.

"I would like to pass on my heartfelt thanks for the valuable contribution they make to Warwick district and I'm very much looking forward to meeting them all to award them with the Freedom of the District." 

The chairman and those receiving the award will attend an official presentation later in the year.