At a special ceremony last night - two former Mayors of Tenby were the first people to be granted the ‘Freedom of the Town’ in over five decades.
Members of Tenby Town Council unanimously agreed recently to a proposal from the Mayor, Cllr. Mrs. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall that an Extraordinary Meeting be convened to award the Honorary Freedom of the town to Mrs Sue Lane and Cllr Trevor Hallett.
The granting of the Freedom of the Town is a symbolic presentation, which represents the highest honour a town can bestow on an individual. The Freedom of the Town is a significant honour, demonstrating trust, loyalty, and a sense of community between a Town and an individual.
It is very rarely awarded and is only done so after exceptional service to the town.
Both Mrs Lane and Cllr Hallett were first elected to the Town Council in 1987 and both have served as Mayor multiple times with Sue holding the office nine time and Trevor four.
Sue is being recognised for her long service on the Town Council and her contribution to so many aspects of Tenby life. She is being recognised for her outstanding work with Tenby in Bloom and the Tenby branch of the Royal British Legion. Mrs Lane is also recognised for her work as an ambassador for the town through Wales in Bloom, Britain in Bloom, and International in Bloom.
Cllr Hallett is also recognised for this contribution to the town and its people.
He is recognised for his outstanding work on the Natural History and the Environment of the area, including serving as area Tree Warden for many years. His work with the Civic Society and Tenby Museum is also recognised along with his international work alongside Peter Osborne with the Walled Town’s Friendship Circle.
The origins of Freemen of the Town dates to Victorian Times and has always been an extremely rare honour.
Tenby Town Council lost the ability to make this award with the loss of Borough Status in 1974. However, this historic right was restored in 2010.
It was last awarded in 1970 to HMS Tenby. The last time it was awarded to an individual was in 1969, when it was awarded to Mr Wilfred Harrison – father of well-known organist and musical director of St. Mary’s Church – Dr. John Harrison.
In one of her last acts as Mayor, from the chair, Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall said at the special ceremony held at the Mayor's Parlour in the De Valence Pavilion: “I propose that this honour be bestowed on Sue and Trevor. I believe it is fitting that these two remarkable people, who have given such service to the Town, receive the award at the same time.
“Both entered Council at the same time in 1987 and both served the Council and the Town – locally, throughout Pembrokeshire, across Wales, reaching all parts of the United Kingdom and as acting as Tenby ambassadors throughout the World.
“Although Sue and Trevor have had different areas of interest, they have both brought commitment, knowledge and determination to everything that they have done in and for the Town.
“Sue is often associated with flowers – I can’t think why – seriously though as the leader of Tenby in Bloom she has been extraordinary in the way she worked tirelessly on to always ensure that Tenby was looking at its best.
“Always keen to encourage others to get involved, the Bloom competitions involve entrants from houses to hotels, small gardens to large, modern to contemporary – but all making Tenby brighter.
“And Sue first taking on Tenby in Bloom says a lot about her. She didn’t take it on because of the passion for gardening or her knowledge at the time. She did it because it needed doing and there was no one else prepared to give it a go,” she continued.
“She soon learnt an awful lot and was respected throughout the bloom community, leading to invitations to advise and present around Wales and Britain. There was even recognition with invitations to International Events.
“But Sue is not limited to flowers. For many years she was the co-ordinator of the British Legion Remembrance Appeal for Tenby and the surrounding area. She has also had spells on the management committee of the DeValence and Augustus Place.
“Sue has always been passionate about promoting Tenby. During one of her Mayoral years, she re-established the spectacle of Father Christmas being collected by the lifeboat and brought back to Tenby.
“After a hugely successful event, a Councillor from a nearby area asked Sue if this was a Tenby tradition. Flashing back a beaming smile, Sue said ‘It is now!’
“Sue, like many I will always associate that event with you and not just because of the incident with the two Santa’s. Ask her about that one – when her and Councillor Blackhall abandoned a bemused Cllr Rapi who stood helplessly in the Square as two Santa’s simultaneously arrived.
“But again, that captures Sue too. Incredibly hardworking but also with a terrific sense of fun.
“I know a lot of Mayor’s and Councillors past and present would want me to thank Sue for her support, encouragement and kindness at various times in her long association with the Town Council. It is all part of being a tour de force in and for Tenby.
“Oh – and did I mention that she was the Mayor?! An incredible 9 times serving her town, first donning the robes in 1998. It is a record that I doubt will ever be broken.
“Once again, Sue taking on the office of Mayor says a lot about her. Although often happy to have her name put forward, there have been times when there was nobody coming forward to take the role and Sue stood up when nobody else would.
“She has truly served her Town in the most remarkable way and that is why this honour is so richly deserved,” said the Mayor.
Next up to be presented was Cllr Hallett, often referred to as ‘Our Trev’ said the Mayor, but a ‘remarkable man’ and one, who like Mrs Lane has done so much for Tenby, who has has served the role as Mayor with distinction on four occasions, firstly in 1996.
“Trevor also took his expertise and knowledge onto a national and international stage. Together with the wonderful Mr Peter Osborne, Trevor worked tirelessly to promote Tenby through the Walled Town’s Friendship Circle. Starting as an idea, it became an international organisation with significant European support,” explained Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall.
“There is another international feature to Trevor. It is not known by everyone but Trevor speaks German. Many is the time that a German visitor to Tenby has been overheard by Trevor and engaged in conversation. On one occasion, a young German family were taking an interest in the Mayoral procession down to the summer spec.
“Trevor was standing in as a Mace-Bearer. Hearing the german language to his right, Trevor broke off from the group to talk to them – happily telling them all the history of the Maces and the role of bearers. The Mayoral party was half way down St. Julian’s St before realising that Trev was missing.
“Trevor of course has a huge knowledge about our environment and the need to care for it and protect it. Trevor, I hope you don’t mind me saying but you were green a very long time before it was fashionable or understood.
“And Trevor’s knowledge has always been generously imparted to others. Whether it be Babbalubbies, Masonary Marks on the Viaduct or an obscure snippet of information, Trevor has always been ready to let others benefit from his learning. And as Trevor reminded me recently – we never stop learning.”
In addition to his years as Mayor, Cllr Hallett has served Tenby Museum with distinction over so many years - a fine ambassador and a man rightly proud of his area and the people within it. For many years, the Tree Warden for Tenby – his knowledge is encyclopaedic.
“Trevor has always been there with a welcome for visitors, always willing to chat and not just to the pretty one’s he met in the Prince of Darkness during his last mayoral year 10 years ago,” she continued.
“Trevor, I have always hugely valued your support and encouragement. Like Sue, you are an inspiration and this honour is so richly deserved.”
Accepting the honour, Mrs Lane said that “Tenby has given me a lot more than I have given Tenby.”
“Firstly, I was born and bred in the town and what a fantastic place to grow up. The sea, beaches, woods, the nabs and even Hoyle’s Mouth Cave were some of my childhood playgrounds.
“It has been a safe haven for my children and now grandchildren. It also gave me lifelong friends along the way and a deep passion for the town I love.
“There are certain people I have to thank for standing here this evening.
“Firstly, my children - Sian, Doug and Jonathan who have been my stability throughout. They have supported me in every eventuality and emotion possible.
“The late Denzil Griffiths who put my name forward for Council and on May 8, 1987 saw five new councillors on Tenby Town Council, myself - Trevor Hallett, Caroline Thomas, Roy Edge and the late Maureen Ward.
“We joined some of the great councillors of our time - Denzil Griffiths, Gilroy Phillips, Mickey Folland and Cecil Evans to name a few. I often feel that we were taught by the best.
“I have to mention my former school, St Teresa’s Convent and the nuns.
“When I first became a councillor they would fight over the Tenby Observer to see photographs and reports on my progress in Council and what I had been up to that week,” she continued.
“I’m sure they would today be shocked and amazed but hopefully, proud. They never saw this coming!
I will continue to work towards the future of Tenby where possible. I feel strongly that the first impressions of the town are vital to our economy and that is what matters for the future of our families and their children, the residents and businesses of this Jewel in the Crown.
“It is an honour to accept this award for something I have loved to do. I care! Thank you Tenby,” added Mrs Lane.
Accepting his accolade, Cllr Hallett spoke about coming to Tenby after being raised in St. Florence.
He said what a wonderful place Tenby is, and during his travels throughout the world, he said that everyone knows of Tenby.
“Our Town Walls represent our town in more ways than one – keeping our enemies out and our people safe,” he added.
Following the presentations and speeches there followed a Civic Reception in honour of the contribution that Mrs Lane and Cllr Hallett have made to the town, with each recipient supported by friends and family members.