NEWSROOM

At a special meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council today (21 May), held ahead of the authority’s Annual General Meeting, members voted unanimously to confer the Freedom of the Borough on Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew ‘Vern’ Stokes OBE MVO DL.

In the same evening, councillors also unanimously approved a Special Recognition Award for Mark Pemberton OBE, Chair of Trustees of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, for his role in overseeing the transfer of the museums to the National Trust, a move seen as securing the long-term future of one of the UK’s most significant historic sites.

The title of Honorary Freeman is the most prestigious civic honour a council can award, recognising individuals or organisations that have made an exceptional contribution to the local community.

The nomination for GSM Stokes was proposed by Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of the Council, and received unanimous backing from the Full Council. The honour was formally presented by Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire Mrs Mandy Thorn MBE DL, alongside Councillor Eileen Callear, Mayor of Telford and Wrekin and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion Councillor Derek White.

Councillor Lee Carter said:

“Garrison Sergeant Major Vern Stokes embodies the very best of public service. His exceptional military career, played out on the national stage, is matched by a deep and enduring connection to Telford and Wrekin. Awarding him the Freedom of the Borough is a fitting way to recognise not only his distinguished service to the nation, but also the pride he brings to our community.”

GSM Andrew 'Vern' Stokes OBE MVO DL said:

“To be awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin is a tremendous honour. I am incredibly proud of my roots here. This area and its people have always meant a great deal to me and have shaped who I am. Wherever my role has taken me, I have always valued that connection and take real pride in being recognised nationally as coming from Telford and Wrekin. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and will carry it with great pride.”

GSM Stokes has served with distinction throughout a long and highly regarded military career, rising to one of the British Army’s most senior non-commissioned ranks. As Garrison Sergeant Major, he oversees the delivery of some of the nation’s most significant ceremonial events, including Trooping the Colour.

Born in Madeley and educated in Wellington, he joined the Army at 16 and has served on operational tours around the world. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2013 in recognition of his outstanding service.

In 2021, he was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) for his leadership in delivering the ceremonial funeral of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, he was awarded an OBE for his role in the planning and delivery of the State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Now based at Horse Guards in London, GSM Stokes continues to live locally and maintains strong ties to Telford and Wrekin. He also serves as a Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire.

At the Council’s AGM later that evening, Members also voted unanimously to present a Special Recognition Award to Mark Pemberton OBE.

For more than 60 years, the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust has told the story of how innovation in the Gorge helped transform the industrial world. As Chair of Trustees, Mark Pemberton played a pivotal role in securing the transfer of the museums and their assets to the National Trust, ensuring their long-term sustainability and widening their reach to new audiences.

Announcing the award, Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability, said:

“It is the Council’s prerogative to recognise individuals and projects that make a significant contribution to our Borough; therefore it is our honour to present this Special Recognition Award to Mark Pemberton, OBE.

“In his role as Chair of Trustees, Mark led the transfer of the Ironbridge Gorge museums to the National Trust, helping to secure the future of these nationally important heritage assets and ensuring Ironbridge’s pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution can continue to be shared with residents and visitors alike.”

Mark was unable to attend the presentation, but passed on his thanks and gratitude.

Mark Pemberton OBE said:

“Unfortunately, I can’t make it to the AGM tonight, but I am very honoured to receive this Special Recognition Award.

“As someone who was educated at Abraham Darby School and had their first job at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, it was a real privilege to then return as Chair of the Museum and help steer it into its next 60 years. I want to emphasise that this wasn’t something I did alone. I had the support of trustees, staff and the Council and specifically want to thank Cllr Lee Carter, who was involved from the outset, and of course our MP Shaun Davies, who worked so effectively for the Museum at Westminster.

“I also want to recognise and thank the trustees and staff, whose dedication made such a difference. Thank you very much for this recognition, it means a great deal to me, and I am looking forward to officially receiving the award later in the year.”