Middlewich Civic Service 2023 – Historic Miles Stones for Middlewich
Last Sunday the town of Middlewich held a Civic Service to celebrate the town councils 50th Mayor Cllr Colin Coules.
To mark this historic milestone, Cllr Coules exercised the town right to award The Freedom of Middlewich to three of the town’s residents, for their outstanding service to the community. This in itself was a historic event, as it was the first time in the town history the power to bestow such an award had been used.
The three recipients received their awards with all the pomp and ceremony the town could muster; as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire Brigadier (Ret) Tom O’Brien CBE TD VR DL, flanked by the Mayors Youth Ambassadors Niamh Pugh and Harry Greig, joined a 200 strong parade of dignitaries, community groups and residents along the Middlewich streets to St Michael And All Angels Church. With the Roberts Bakery Brass Band providing the music and the standards of the Royal British Legion fluttering in the breeze, it was an impressive start to the proceeding. There were more residents and honored guests, waiting in the Church including Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire Angie Robinson. The service was taken by the Rev Lorraine Reed.
The first recipient of the Freedom the Town was Mrs. Janet Chisholm BEM who had her achievements acknowledged by the Rt Hon Fiona Bruce MP, before receiving Freedom of the Town from Town Mayor Cllr Coules and Town Clerk Nicola Antony.
Mrs. Janet Chisholm BEM who has had already be honored by our late Queen Elizabeth II, received the freedom of the town , for her work establishing the Middlewich Clean Team some 20 years ago. A team, she still leads as present today. Janet also provided advise and support to groups and government departments around the country.
Today the group boasts 150 litter pickers and junior section who are carrying forward Janet`s junior section who are carrying forward Janet`s legacy to next generation. The Rt Hon Fiona Bruce has supported Janet along her volunteering journey. She said -she felt privileged to be part of the celebration of this amazing lady’s achievement. Janet was supported by family and friends and with the surprise attendance of her son who flew in from Saudi Arabia to witness the event.
The next recipient was Mr. Ken Kingston whose acknowledgments were read out by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire Brigadier (Ret) Tom O’Brien CBE TD VR DL. With the award presented by Town Mayor Cllr Coules and Nicola Antoney Town Clerk.
Mr. Kingston served in the British Army in the 70s/80s despite being born in the Irish Republic. His service to the community started when he moved to Middlewich and the amount of service Ken has given is staggering . Ken joined the local Heritage Society in 2006, became a member of the Trust’s foundation in 2016. A position he still holds today. Served as Chairman of Middlewich Cemetery he joined Management Board from 2014 to 2018.
Ken was British Legion Welfare Secretary from 2009 to 2016, Poppy Appeal Organizer 2009 to 2022, and Branch Chairman from 2016 to present. Not content with the service already given, Ken stepped forward again in 2013 and became a Middlewich Town Councillor, serving as a Councillor from 2013 to 2019. This term of public service included Ken becoming the Middlewich Town Mayor, 2015-2016. During this time Ken came under a severe personal attack while carrying out his duties as Mayor, with criminal damage done to his home and property. Despite this Ken continued to fulfil his duties while still maintaining his dignity and respect for others. Not finished yet, Middlewich University of the 3rd Age also had Ken as their Chairman from 2017 to 2021 and Ken remains a member to this day.
Mayor Cllr Coules described Mr. Kingston as a Gentleman in every sense of the word, a proud farther, a trusted and respected Civil Volunteer, a committed and loyal servant to Crown & Country, Valued and respected member of the British Legion. Just how many people’s lives Ken’s work has helped will probably never be fully realized. Ken was joined and supported by friends and family and his colleagues of the Royal British Legion.
The third recipient to receive the honor was Mr. David Cooke, whose acknowledgement was read out by The Boys Brigade Battalion President Mr. B. Tolmie. With the award once again presented the Town Mayor and Town Clerk. David excepted his award with the help of his three grandsons making the day even more special. 
David joined the Boys Brigade in 1954, then progressed within the Brigade to achieve Captain status at the age of 17. That was a year earlier, than the rules allowed. So, until his 18th birthday, David worked as acting Captain until his age allowed him to officially take up the position. David moved to Middlewich with his wife Fiona and two Daughters, Lindsay and Sheena in 1980. For the next three years it was back and to, tending to his responsibilities in Stalybridge, before forming the 1st Middlewich Branch in 1983. Amazingly, David is still looking after the 1st Middlewich Brigade some 40 years later. David’s work with the Boys Brigade and with the youth of Middlewich, is in itself, was deemed more enough justification to be a recipient of the town`s highest honor. But David`s selfless commitment to society and to Middlewich goes much, much deeper. In 2013 David with 5 others established the Middlewich Food Bank, an incredible achievement given all the challenges that had to be overcome. The Food Bank is now thankfully well established and provides an essential service to our town, reaching out and helping the most vulnerable in our society.
Lady Mayoress Elena Coules summed up David`s achievements as remarkable service and commitment from a remarkable man, a true role model for us all.
Middlewich Town Council provided refreshments after the service, to celebrate the 50th Mayoral term and the wonderful service given by the recipients of the awards. The Mayor Cllr Coules thanked all those who help to put on the event which brought the
Middlewich community together for this truly historic event.
