Bury welcomes its new Freemen

Four people who epitomise the best of Bury have been granted the borough’s highest civic honour.

They were awarded the Freedom of Bury at a special meeting of the full council which was held last night (Tuesday 31 January), and presented with medallions and scrolls.

The four people are:

• Mr Itzik Alterman. This was in recognition of the long and outstanding service he has rendered for over 35 years through his involvement with the 45 Aid Society and general Holocaust remembrance events. In further recognition of his specific valuable service over the last five years in helping to ensure, through numerous speaking and educational events at schools, sports clubs and communal events, including Holocaust Memorial Day, that historical links and lessons from the Holocaust will never be forgotten.
• Mr Akram Baig, in recognition of the long and outstanding contribution to community work in Bury for over 25 years and in recognition of his valuable service over the years in tackling inequalities and promoting healthy lifestyles in his community through his devoted work with the Jinnah Day Care Centre, Bury Council for Racial Equality and as founder member of the Bury Defence Academy.
• Mrs Dorothy Gunther. She was a councillor for 27 years between 1992 and 2021, representing the wards of Ramsbottom and North Manor Ward with distinction and dedication, including holding office of Mayor of the Borough from 2017 to 2018. In recognition also of her significant contribution regionally and nationally.
• Mr Trevor Holt. He represented East ward for 39 years between 1983 and 2022, and was the Mayor of Bury twice: in 1996/97 and 2019/20. In recognition also of his significant contribution regionally and nationally.

The council has also agreed to award the Freedom of Bury to the England footballer Kieran Trippier. This is recognition of his outstanding performances, which included a semi-final goal, representing England in the FIFA World Cup of 2018 and representing England a second time in the FIFA World Cup of 2022 and the continued inspiring effect these sporting achievements have had on the children of this borough.

Mr Trippier was unavailable to attend Tuesday’s ceremony due to his club side Newcastle United’s fixture against Southampton, and will be presented with his medallion and scroll at a later date.