“From playing football in the cages as a young girl to standing here now, this borough has shaped who I am.”
These were the heartfelt words shared by England football star Chloe Kelly, who was one of 6 local people to be awarded the Freedom of the Borough at Ealing Council’s civic honours ceremony at Gunnersbury Park Museum last week (Wednesday 25 March).
The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour a local authority can bestow and is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the borough, its communities and its national reputation.
Recognising excellence
Chloe, who grew up in the borough and attended Elthorne Park High School in Hanwell as a pupil, scored the winning penalty in the Euro 2025 final, as well as the winning goal in the Women’s European Championships in 2022 against fierce rivals Germany, sparking elation across the country.
Renowned for her pace and goal-scoring ability from the wing, the Lioness collected her award looking smart and stylish. She said: “To receive this honour means so much, and I’m just as excited about the incredible future talent coming through this special place.”
However, Chloe is not the only football sensation to have received this civic honour. England and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, who went to school in Greenford, was a proud recipient in 2022.
A celebration of exceptional work
The Freedom of the Borough was also awarded to:
- Virendra Sharma, former Member of Parliament for Ealing Southall, for decades of public service locally and nationally
- Sara Nathan, a former broadcast journalist, for her decades of public service and long-time commitment to refugee support and advocacy
- Pragna Patel, a leading campaigner for women’s rights and social justice and founder of Southall Black Sisters
- Eric and Jessica Huntley. This was a posthumous award to the founders of the pioneering black publishing house Bogle L’Ouverture Publications, whose work had a lasting impact on education, culture and civil rights
The ceremony, hosted by the mayor of Ealing, Councillor Anthony Kelly, was attended by councillors, previous recipients of the Freedom of the Borough, civic representatives, invited guests and family members.
What is ‘Freedom of the Borough’?
Before 1835, the title of ‘freeman’ existed in many boroughs as an honour. Freemen enjoyed special rights, dependent on local customs, including things like being able to use land to pasture their livestock (such as allowing their sheep to graze on a common) and being exempt from paying certain tolls and charges.
In 1835, however, the Municipal Corporations Act, changed things a little around what a freeman was entitled to and, since then, the law has gradually reduced the privileges further.
In modern times, the title is purely honorary, to recognise notable members of the community. But they are often invited to attend ceremonial events and important occasions.
Want to nominate someone?
You can nominate local people for future civic awards, via a nomination form on the council’s website.
