26.03.02: Freeman of the City Honour for John Shannon
Mr Shannon CBE, will receive the award from Lord Mayor of York Councillor Irene Waudby at the Mansion House in a special ceremony tomorrow night. The rarely-made honour, given only to those who have served the city with distinction or to those with very notable links to York, will be the first of its kind since The Duchess of Kent was admitted on April 22, 1989.
Lord Mayor of York Councillor Waudby said, "Mr Shannon's impact on city life is almost unrivalled - from his time on the city council to becoming Sheriff of York to chairing York Civic Trust for an impressive 38 years.
"He presided over a number of memorable achievements in that post most notably in recent times the refurbishment of both Fairfax House and the city council's flagship building, the Mansion House. He is a person whose work will be remembered for a great many years to come.
"His love of York is renowned and has been amply demonstrated by his involvement in so many projects in and around the city. I am honoured that I have been asked to bestow upon him this award."
Mr Shannon's drive and enthusiasm for his work has won him many admirers over the years and, upon his retirement as chair of the Civic Trust last year, the council felt it fitting that he should be made an Honorary Freeman of the City.
Lord Mayor Councillor Waudby will present Mr Shannon with a specially-designed vellum scroll in tomorrow evening's ceremony.
A meeting of full council on November 13 confirmed the award after Mr Shannon's name was put forward by the Gild of Freemen of the city of York. The formal nomination was made by Lord Mayor Councillor Waudby and seconded by leader of the council Councillor Rod Hills.
At the same meeting it was also agreed that actress Dame Judi Dench and composer John Barry should also be made honorary freemen of the city. Dates for those award ceremonies have yet to be arranged.
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