A husband and wife from Todmorden have received the highest honour Calderdale Council can give, after travel disruptions stemming from events in the Middle East prevented them from attending the original ceremony.
Colin and Gillian Greenwood were due to be awarded the designations of Freeman and Freewoman of the Borough of Calderdale alongside another honouree, Chris Harris, at a function in early March. However, they became stranded because of flight cancellations linked to the crisis and could not return in time for the ceremony. The Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Steven Leigh, pledged they would be honoured on another date.
The pair have now been officially welcomed to the council chambers at Halifax Town Hall to accept their accolades. Family members, companions, and the Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire, Steve Duncan, attended the occasion to see the local philanthropists’ generosity formally recognised.
About the Freedom of the Borough
This honour is the most prestigious award a council can bestow, acknowledging extraordinary service to the area. Although the title grants no legal rights or responsibilities, it allows recipients to take part in ceremonial duties at civic events.
The Couple’s Contributions
Colin and Gillian Greenwood have offered substantial support to many community schemes across the area. Their contributions include over fifty grants for arts, sports, and aid for those requiring assistance through food banks and comparable services. They have also made notable donations towards the Duke of Wellington monument in The Woolshops area of Halifax and restoration work at Halifax Minster, as well as funding for regeneration projects in sections of Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.
Following the devastating flooding in 2015, they provided donations and secured £100,000 in matched funding for Mytholmroyd Community Centre, with additional recovery efforts spanning Todmorden, Mytholmroyd, and Hebden Bridge.
Recognition from the Council Leader
Cllr Leigh said presenting Colin and Gillian Greenwood with Freeman and Freewoman of the Borough was a privilege. Calderdale takes great pride in its reputation for kindness and compassion, and the Greenwoods had shown exceptional dedication to supporting local communities. Their remarkable contributions were genuinely outstanding and deserved this formal recognition, just as Chris Harris’s tireless efforts had been recognised when her Freedom of the Borough was presented at a Town Hall ceremony in March.
Other Recipients
Chris Harris previously served as Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire and remains deeply involved with various local charitable organisations, holding the position of Founder Director and Life Vice-President of the Community Foundation for Calderdale.
The most recent other honourees include Sally Wainwright, recognised for raising Calderdale’s profile internationally through her acclaimed television productions, and Hannah Cockcroft, celebrated for her distinguished achievements as a paralympic athlete and motivational speaker. The award is seldom granted – Sally Wainwright received hers six years ago, making it the previous occasion before Colin, Gillian and Chris were honoured.
All recipients are recorded on the roll of honour in Halifax Town Hall.