Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Kelly Braund, Fidelis Gadzama, Jerome Neil and Linda Taylor.

There were no declarations of interest.

HONORARY FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH

Council is recommended to agree to present the person named below with a certificate conferring upon them the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough affixed with the common seal of the Council.

The motion to be duly moved and seconded is:

That, by virtue of the power vested in it by Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council does admit the late Reverend Andrew Wakefield as Freeman of the London Borough of Merton.

This honour is bestowed on the late Reverend Andrew Wakefield in  recognition of the substantial contribution that he made over many years to the borough’s religious and spiritual life; and for his extensive civic service and charitable work.

In particular, Reverend Wakefield was an active member of the South London Industrial Mission and he chaired a number of bodies including the Greater London Authority’s Civic Forum, Merton Chamber of Commerce, Merton Partnership’s Community Plan and the Safer Neighbourhood Board. He played a critical part in setting up the London Inter Faith Forum and was actively involved in the police’s advisory body. Recently, the Reverend Wakefield served as Borough Dean and Roehampton University awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Divinity for his 30 years of service to Merton.

Note by Chief Executive: Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a resolution conferring the title of Honorary Alderman to be passed by not less than two thirds of the Members voting thereon.

The Mayor invited the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition to speak on the Motion.

Councillor Alambritis-

Thank you Madam Mayor

It gives me great pleasure to move accordingly

That, by virtue of the power vested in it by Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council does admit the late Reverend Andrew Wakefield as Freeman of the London Borough of Merton in recognition of the substantial contribution that he made over many years to the borough’s religious and spiritual life; and for his extensive civic service and charitable work.

This honour is bestowed on the late Reverend Andrew Wakefield in recognition of his role in Civic Life to the South London Industrial mission and the key part he played in the formation of the GLA Civic Forum which he himself chaired. The Reverend Wakefield also chaired Merton Chamber of Commerce and he played a critical part in setting up the London Inter-Faith Forum. He was also chair of the Safer Neighbourhood Board and actively involved in the Police’s advisory body. These roles led to a request that he chair the Merton Partnership Community Plan for Merton. Recently, the Reverend Wakefield served as Borough Dean and Roehampton University awarded him an honorary doctorate of divinity for his 30 years of service to Merton.

We are joined today at this special meeting by the right Reverend Doctor Richard Cheetham, the Bishop of Kingston. Bishop Richard knew Andrew from school; they were in the same year at Kingston Grammar School. Bishop Richard worked very closely with Andrew’s ministry. The Bishop of Kingston is responsible for supporting the Church of England’s work across South-West London, from Kingston to Waterloo, an area which includes this borough, our borough of Merton. The Archdeacon of Lambeth Simon Gates and the Area Dean of Merton Bruce Rickards are also here tonight, testament to the high regard Andrew was held in by all his colleagues in the Church. Bishop Richard makes this tribute to Andrew: “Andrew’s ministry exemplified a vital part of the ethos of the Church of England, namely a deep commitment to serve the whole of the Community for the common good. From the basis of his profound belief in the justice of the love of god and his regular prayers at St Andrew’s Church he developed an extraordinary ministry supporting many different community groups and causes”. Bishop Richard continues “the depth of the impact of his ministry was evidenced by the large number of people and organisations attending his funeral. He was a real one-off character who did things in his own unique way. He combined a sharp intellect and a sense of humour with a deep Christian faith and passion for justice and really did care deeply about the community, especially in the borough of Merton”. Bishop Richard concludes “He was a fine example of the love and deep tradition in the Church of England of working tirelessly for social justice and the common good”.

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