To receive Report No. 114/2022 from the Chief Executive recommending the appointment of Sir Laurence Howard as an Honorary Freeman.

Report No. 114/2022 was received from the Chief Executive, recommending the appointment of Sir Laurence Howard as an Honorary Freeman of Rutland.

Councillor L Stephenson, Leader of the Council, introduced the report and moved the recommendations, in doing so highlighting the various acts of service Sir Laurence had undertaken for the county, including as a magistrate, founder of a fund to enable Rutland Students to attend Leicester University where he had worked as a medical lecturer, and fifteen years of service as Lord Lieutenant of Rutland. Councillor R Powell, Deputy Leader of the Council, seconded the motion and as Ward Member for Whissendine where Sir Laurence resided and emphasised the high esteem he was held in throughout the county.

Members spoke in support of the motion highlighting Sir Laurence’s support to the Armed Forces Community during his tenure as Lord Lieutenant, including serving as an Honorary Air Commandant in the Royal Air Force, and his work on supporting links between Rutland and the University of Leicester. 

Members considered that Sir Laurence truly embodied the values of Rutland and in particular the motto of Multum in Parvo (Much in little) through his multitude of achievements since moving into the county and was the perfect candidate to be recognised in the way the appointment of an Honorary Freeman was designed to.

Tributes were also paid to Lady Howard, for her dedication and unstinting support to Sir Laurence in all his work for the county, it was highlighted that the couple were still affectionally referred to ‘Team Howard’ in the RAF community.

Concluding the debate, the Chairman emphasised how Sir Laurence’s dedication and attitude had made him a fantastic ambassador for the county and on behalf of the Council thanked Sir Laurence for his service to Rutland.

The motion to appoint Sir Laurence as an Honorary Freeman was put to the vote and with 18 votes in favour, the motion was unanimously carried.

RESOLVED

That Council:

a)    APPOINTED Sir Laurence Howard KCVO OBE as an Honorary Freeman of the County of Rutland.

b)    CONFERED the following privileges on Sir Laurence:

                   i.        To enjoy the ceremonial title of Honorary Freeman and be so addressed.

                  ii.        To be invited to attend the following Civic events in the County: Remembrance Sunday
Annual Civic Events
Any other civic events on the invitation of the Chairman of the Council

                iii.        To be invited to Annual meetings of the Council.

c)    INSTRUCTED the Chief Executive to arrange for Sir Laurence’s name to be placed on the Roll of Honorary Freeman held at Catmose.

The Chairman and Chief Executive formally presented Sir Laurence with his honorary scroll declaring his appointment. The Chairman then invited Sir Laurence to address Council.

Sir Laurence thanked the Chairman and Members for honouring him with his appointment and for their tributes to himself and Lady Howard. Sir Laurence also reflected on the ongoing struggles for freedom around the world and how valuable it was that those assembled to live in a country their forefathers had fought to keep free.