Councillor and community champion has been awarded Freedom of Wooler
26 May 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Northumberland County Councillor Anthony Murray has become an honorary Freeman of the town of Wooler in recognition of his tireless and valued service to the local community over many years.
Being awarded the Freedom of the town is the highest honour that Wooler Parish Council can bestow and is symbolic of the esteem that Cllr Murray is held by the town.
The news has been welcomed by the Leader of Northumberland County Council, Glen Sanderson, who paid tribute to him for his lifetime of public service.
He said: “I’ve known Anthony for a great many years and have had huge respect for him over all that time. He has given, and continues to give, great service to the people in his community and I am deeply grateful for everything he does.”
The father of two and grandfather of four has been a Northumberland County Councillor since 2008 and a member of the National Park Committee since 1972.
In addition, he has carried out an enormous amount of work for local residents and organisations spanning right back to 1946.
He currently serves on numerous committees including as Chair of Governors at Glendale Middle School, as a Trustee of the Glendale Gateway Trust, a member of the Northumberland Uplands Advisory Group and is chair of Friends of Wooler Church Yard. He is a River Tweed Commissioner, sits on Community Action Northumberland (CAN) and regularly attends 8 parish council meetings in his ward.
“It’s been an honour to work alongside Anthony on the council over many years, but his council work is just a small proportion of his service to Wooler and the surrounding community which has spanned decades.”
“I’d also like to say a special thank you to his wonderful wife Patricia who has supported Anthony tremendously over the years. They make a great team.”
“Anthony was awarded the MBE in 2015 and I know being awarded the Freedom of Wooler, his much-loved hometown, will touch him deeply and is an award that will be greatly cherished.” added Cllr Sanderson.
Mark Mather the outgoing chairman of Wooler Parish Council said:
“Anthony is held with the greatest respect and affection by all those who know and work with him. He has dedicated his entire life to selfless service for the Glendale community and beyond and I cannot think of a more worthy recipient of this honour.”