To admit Sascha Kindred as an honorary freeman of the county.

Council considered the following notice of motion:

Motion –That in accordance with the provisions of Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the sport of swimming and honour that he has brought to the County of Herefordshire, Sascha Kindred be admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the County of Herefordshire

In presenting the motion the Chairman noted the agreement of Council in September to support this motion to confer the honour of honorary freeman to Sascha Kindred OBE, for which this meeting had been specially convened under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972. 

Council observed footage of Mr Kindred winning the 200 metre men’s individual medley (SM6 class) at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro this year breaking the world record in doing so.

The Chairman acknowledged the great privilege of proposing this motion to Council as a celebration of success, bringing a sense of pride and distinction to Herefordshire and acknowledging the many successes of a brilliant Paralympian.

The Chairman described the achievements of Sascha Kindred OBE during his swimming career, drawing attention to his winning a gold medal at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro in the 200 metre men’s individual swimming medley, whilst simultaneously achieving a new world record for the event. The Chairman made the following additional points:

·        Mr Kindred moved to Credenhill ten years ago in 2006 and subsequently to Belmont in 2010. Married to Nyree, who is a Paralympian swimming medal winner in her own right, since coming to Herefordshire, Mr Kindred carried out his main training at Leominster Leisure Centre whilst being a member of Hereford Swimming Club, making it a truly cross-county issue

·        In 2009, he was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list in recognition of his substantial achievements

·        He had attracted national and international acclaim, bringing honour and credit on him, his family and connections including his county of residence, and to which he had rendered eminent service

·        It was a privilege to propose this motion to make Mr Kindred an Honorary Freeman of the County of Herefordshire. He would be the first Herefordshire resident to be honoured in this way since the inception of the Council in 1998, but his successful sporting career, winning through in the face of adversity, justified that distinction.

The Chairman moved the motion.

Councillor PJ Edwards seconded the motion.

Councillor Edwards was invited to speak in support of the motion. He acknowledged that Councillor PJ McCaull was unable to attend council today, and noted his work in supporting the establishment of the swimming pool in Leominster and the talent that it had attracted. He made the following additional comments:

·        The success of the swimming pool in Leominster, and its role in supporting talent in the county, was a credit to Vice-Chairman Councillor McCaull who was unable to be present at this meeting

·        Mr Kindred and his family participated in their community in Newton Farm and attended events. The family endorsed what was achievable and continued to do good work in the county

·        Mr Kindred led by example and it was hoped that he would remain out front in all he achieved

The Leader was invited to speak.

He expressed the pleasure in supporting this motion, and on behalf of Council, all members and all staff gave heartfelt congratulations to Mr Kindred and his family. He added that Mr Kindred was a hero in Leominster through his use of the swimming facilities, and beyond as a world champion, giving people belief that with hard work and determination, anything could be possible.  He was an inspiration for younger residents to take up swimming.  Recognition was given to Nyree Kindred, also a well decorated Paralympian.  Honouring Sascha today recognised his eminent services to the county and the positive impact of his success on others and for inspiring people to take up swimming and sport more generally.

The Chairman put the motion to the vote.  The motion was carried unanimously.

The Chairman presented a scroll to Mr Kindred and formally conferred the freedom of the county upon him. The Chairman cited from the scroll, which read:

“At a special meeting of the County of Herefordshire District Council held on the sixteenth day of December two thousand and sixteen,  it was resolved that the most honourable distinction which is within the power of the council to bestow, be conferred upon Sascha Kindred, OBE.

He is hereby awarded Honorary Freeman of the County of Herefordshire in recognition of his eminent services to the county of Herefordshire during his twenty-two year international swimming career. 

Winning a total of 62 major championship medals including seven golds at Paralympic Games, eleven golds at World Championships and 14 golds at European Championships, and holding 10 world records including the 200m men’s swimming medley in Rio De Janeiro. His world class achievements leave a legacy of inspiring our many young swimmers of all abilities, to emulate his success in Herefordshire and elsewhere”. 

Mr Kindred was invited to speak.

In thanking the council for the conferment of freeman of the county, he described it as an honour to receive.  He acknowledged the hard work, dedication and team support in his achievements.  The honour today meant a lot and represented doing something right and being an inspiration.

RESOLVED:  That in accordance with Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 Sascha Kindred be admitted as an honorary freeman of the County of Herefordshire, in recognition of his eminent services to the county.