Following the decision by Ordinary Council to award the Freedom of the Borough to Colonel Ian McRobbie and Canon Colin Boswell, the Special Council was convened by the Mayor.

The Mayor called Colonel McRobbie to the dais to be presented with a citation and the Honorary Freedom badge. The Mayor then invited Colonel McRobbie to make an acceptance speech.

Colonel McRobbie stated how much of an honour it was to receive the award, particularly when the roll of previous awardees was considered. It had been 50 years since a role at the General Post Office had brought Colonel McRobbie to Croydon, and he had never expected such a long association with Croydon to have continued thereafter. Since being appointed Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Colonel McRobbie had worked alongside 20 Mayors of Croydon - the dedication of these individuals was recognised, with an average of 600 meetings per year.
Colonel McRobbie stated he had the great honour to be the Queen's representative in the borough, and high profile elements of that role included organising royal visits to Croydon. Recent visits included members of the royal family visiting community groups and Croydon College - a college in which students had given thousands of hours of volunteering every year.
Colonel McRobbie highlighted that his main responsibilities were enhancing Croydon's military links and Croydon had been the first London borough to adopt a military covenant.
Colonel McRobbie acknowledged the support he had received from Sandy, his wife of 51 years, and welcomed his brother who was in attendance and had travelled from Canada to be present. All Colonel McRobbie's family were thanked, particularly his late brother Dale. The Mayor of Croydon was also thanked for bestowing the honour.

The Mayor called Canon Boswell to the Dais to be presented with a Citation and the Honorary Freedom badge. The Mayor then invited Canon Boswell to make an acceptance speech.
Canon Boswell stated that he was deeply honoured to be made a freeman of the borough. Canon Boswell now lived in Honor Oak Park and had taken on a new church there and had since doubled attendance. Canon Boswell stated that he still felt a strong connection with Croydon; he had married, baptised, and held funerals for many wonderful people in the borough. It had been a great privilege to share in both the great joy and sadness.
Canon Boswell had a connection with Croydon for over 21 years in many roles that had included being a school governor and school chaplain. It had been an enormous surprise to be nominated for the freedom of the borough, and Canon Boswell stated his delight in being honoured. The Mayor and the leaders of both parties were thanked and the friends in attendance were also acknowledged. Canon Boswell concluded by stating his love for the Minster which he missed and had been sad to leave.

The meeting webcast can be viewed here: home