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Village awards highest accolade for very first time

Alex Pope
BBC News, Bedfordshire
Paul Buchanan Gill Green, smiling to the camera, sitting down, wearing a black top, cat broach and a green and black jacket. She has short grey hair.Paul Buchanan
Gill Green said being presented with the Freedom of Woburn was a "lovely honour"

A village has bestowed its highest accolade for the first time ever - to honour a "selfless and extraordinary" volunteer.

Woburn Parish Council, in Bedfordshire, said awarding Gill Green, 86, the freedom of the parish recognised the "exceptional service and outstanding contributions she had made to the community".

Mrs Green said it was a "fantastic honour" she had no idea she was getting.

The Duke of Bedford, who made the presentation, said her 36 years of service had left an "indelible mark".

Paul Buchanan Gill Green (left) holding a bouquet of white flowers and a certificate in a frame. She is wearing a green and black jacket. The Duke of Bedford, who has short dark hair and is wearing a dark suit and red tie, is standing next to her. He is holding the other side of the certificate.Paul Buchanan
Gill Green was presented with her certificate by the Duke of Bedford, who lives at Woburn Abbey

Now known as the Freewoman of Woburn, Mrs Green, chair of the Woburn Heritage Centre, said the whole occasion was "fantastic".

"I had no idea that it was going to happen.

"I'm so honoured to be the first. I hope there will be more in the future, as I can think of some other people in the village that are just as eligible and worthy as I am.

"At nearly 87, I think it's nearly time to retire.

"I'm gradually shedding a few jobs, but I will always keep my association with the Heritage Centre, because we have a fantastic team of volunteers who man it."

Simon James, from the council, said for several months there had been discussions about who to give the award to and Mrs Green was voted for "unanimously".

She has lived in the the village since 1988 and began volunteering in 1989.

"Gill really is a remarkable lady, she is selfless," he said.

Paul Buchanan Gill Green standing in a line with three members of her family. From left-to-right there is John Green, her son, Gill Green, Imogen Allen, her daughter, and James Allen, her son-in-law. Mrs Green is holding a bouquet of white flowers.Paul Buchanan
Mrs Green's son, John Green, daughter Imogen Allen and son-in-law, James Allen, were at the ceremony

As well as being chairman of the Woburn Heritage Centre, she has produced, edited and distributed "News around Woburn", was involved in the Oyster Festival, runs Woburn Open Gardens, supported the local branch of the Royal British Legion, helped start Woburn in Bloom, is president of the village hall and set up a Wednesday Club, which provides a social meeting place.

She is also co-ordinating and writing a new history of Woburn.

Paul Buchanan A group of seven people in a room, including Gill Green. There are four men, including the Duke of Bedford. The men are all in smart clothes, including jackets. A woman in a red coat is standing behind Mrs Green. Another woman to the right is wearing a white top, black trousers and beige boots. They are all smiling. Paul Buchanan
Members of the parish council decided Gill Green should be made the Freewoman of Woburn

Andrew, the 15th Duke of Bedford, said Mrs Green "embodies the very heart and soul of our community".

"Her dedication, passion, and leadership have left an indelible mark on Woburn.

"Gill has been a driving force behind so many of the initiatives that make our village a vibrant and welcoming place."

He said her work had "strengthened the bonds of our community" and she was a "true pillar of Woburn and a beacon of community spirit".

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