Aldermen and Freemen Honours Handed to Nine Individuals at Hyndburn Borough Council’s Mayor Making
Aldermen and Freemen Honours Handed to Nine Individuals at Hyndburn Borough Council’s Mayor Making
At the 2025 Mayor Making ceremony on 31st May, 9 residents were honoured to receive recognition for their long-term services to the local area, bestowed upon them by the newly appointed Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Josh Allen.
The newly appointed Freemen of the Borough include Mrs Hilary Austin, Mr Stephen Hutchinson BEM, Mr Rawden Kerr, Mr Zack Kerr and Ms Anne Lincoln.
Image: Left to right; Zach Kerr, Hilary Austin, Mayor Josh Allen, Mayoress Robyn Bradshaw-Allen, Anne Lincoln, Rawden Kerr, Stephen Hutchinson.
The newly appointed Aldermen of the Borough include Mr Peter Britcliffe, Mr Graham Jones, Mr Abdul Khan and Mr Malcolm Pritchard.
Hilary Austin is the Chairperson for the Church & Oswaldtwisle Royal British Legion Branch and the Chairperson for Accrington & District Royal Airforce Air Cadets. Hilary’s work and dedication to the Community and all the events that are organised is valued within this borough.
Stephen Hutchinson is Lieutenant of RNR and Chair, Accrington and District Unit Sea Cadets. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2022. Stephen also works for the local company, Prospects as the Low Carbon Community Buildings Officer.
Rawden Kerr is the Town Crier for Great Harwood and is often called upon to officiate at events, not only throughout Hyndburn, but also in other parts of East Lancashire. Rawden excels at his craft, having been town crying for the past 15 years and is one of the best in UK. He scooped the award for British Championships ‘best content of cry’ in 2023.
Zack Kerr is a Changing Places ambassador who won the Positive Role Model for Disability Award at the National Diversity Awards in 2021. He continues to successfully campaign for disabled facilities and raise awareness for other notable causes in the Hyndburn area.
Anne Lincoln is a Pastor at Clayton Baptist Church whose charitable work supports struggling individuals and families across Hyndburn and beyond. From Food Parcels and Free Lunches to Christmas Markets and Warm Spaces Provider, Anne’s impact can be felt across the borough.
Peter Britcliffe served as a Hyndburn Borough Councillor in Oswaldtwistle for 34 years over 2 separate periods between 1984 and 2024 and as a Lancashire County Councillor for a number of years. Over his many years of service for Hyndburn, Peter has served as a Cabinet Member, Leader of the Opposition, Mayor in 2017/18 and 3 times as Leader of the Council between 1999 and 2011.
Image: Mayor Josh Allen and Peter Britcliffe
Graham Jones served as Hyndburn Borough Councillor in Peel Ward between 2002 and 2010 and was Leader of the Opposition in his final 4 years of office. Graham was elected as MP for Hyndburn in 2010 and represented the borough in Parliament for 9 years.
Image: Mayor Josh Allen and Graham Jones
Abdul Khan served as a Hyndburn Borough Councillor in Central Ward from 2012 for 11 years, and as Mayor of Hyndburn in his final year of office in 2022 /23.
Image: Mayor Josh Allen and Adbul Khan
Malcolm Pritchard served as a Hyndburn Borough Councillor in Milnshaw Ward for 12 years over three separate periods between 2002 and 2018 and as Mayor of Hyndburn in 2010/11.
Image: Mayor Josh Allen and Malcolm Pritchard
Councillor Munsif Dad, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said:
“A huge congratulations to our new Aldermen and Freemen of the Borough. Each one of them has dedicated their time to the betterment of Hyndburn and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so.
“Their dedicated public service and charitable work show their commitment to the people of Hyndburn and sit is fitting that this is being recognised today. I would like to thank them all on behalf of the Council and I hope that this honour is a suitable reward for their efforts.”
The Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Josh Allen said:
“Being awarded the title of Alderman or Freeman is a rare and prestigious honour, recognising years of outstanding service and dedication to the community. It reflects not only personal commitment but also the respect and appreciation of peers and residents alike. This distinction carries historical weight and civic pride. I am pleased to have been able to bestow these honours upon these individuals today.”