Five Notable Servants Of Royal Greenwich Given `The Freedom Of The Borough' Awards

by Benson Agoha | Woolwich

 

 

Five people have been given the Freedom of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, for their long-standing service to the area and its residents. An awards ceremony was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday 23 March, 2016 where the recipients were given their awards.

The awards went to Dr Tariq Abbasi MBE, Janet Gillman, Jim Gillman, Dermot Poston MBE, and former Council Leader, Chris Roberts.

The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Councillor Norman Adams said during the ceremony that: “Awarding the Freedom of the Borough is a marvellous way in which we can recognise individuals who make such a positive difference to the lives of many. We are extremely grateful for all the work they have done in service of the community and the borough.”

Dr Tariq Abbasi MBE has served the local community for 25 years firstly as director of the Greenwich Islamic Centre, and now as the director general of the World Muslim Congress.

 

He has been at the forefront of promoting community cohesiveness, tolerance and unity. He is also a founder-member of Armed Forces Muslim Forum (AFMF). 

 

Janet Gillman served as a councillor in the borough for 20 years holding many senior posts including Mayor, twice. She was and still is, a governor of several schools and is active in many community groups and organisations.

Jim Gillman served as a councillor in the borough over a 30 year period during which time he became deputy leader and was also Mayor twice. He has remained very active in the local community and is still a school governor. Whilst on the Council, Mr Gillman was chair of a number of major committees including the Housing Committee, Direct Services Committee and Leisure Services Committee.

 

Dermot Poston MBE was first elected to Greenwich Council in 1968. A former Leader of the opposition, his long record of public service led to the awarding of an MBE in 2013.

 

Former councillor Poston MBE was a long time Council representative on the Greenwich Theatre Board and has had a long involvement with the Bob Hope Theatre and the Eltham United Charities.

Chris Roberts was Leader of the Council for 14 years during which time the Borough secured ‘Royal’ status for Greenwich. Chris Roberts prior to being elected Leader served as Chair of Planning and Chair of Regeneration and oversaw the delivery of an unprecedented regeneration programme in the borough during which time Greenwich co-hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

 

His tenure also saw a range of public transport improvements taking place in the borough, most notably the DLR and Crossrail stations in Woolwich. Mr Roberts also served on a range of external bodies, representing the Council and in a personal capacity.

Past winners of the Freedom of the Borough Awards include HRH The Duke of Edinburgh,
Doreen Lawrence OBE and Neville Lawrence OBE.

* Former Leader of Greenwich Council, Cllr Chris Roberts
and others in a Group Picture. (Credit: RBG)



* Mayor of Greenwich and Council Leader pose with Janet M Gillman. (Credit: RBG)



* Mayor of Greenwich and Council Leader pose with Dr Tariq Abbasi, MBE.
(Credit: RBG)