Massive Congratulations to one of our Philip Astley Project team and all round great guy Mr Jim Worgan on being awarded the honour of Freedom of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough as a recognition to his work as a local community stalwart.
Jim worked for 32 years in the mining industry, also he has been a key member of various organisation including Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society and Friends of Brampton Museum, as well as work as a key part of our Philip Astley Project working committee.
The Freedom of the Borough honour has also been bestowed upon the Royal Stoke University Hospital in recognition of the long service to the area, particularly during the difficult past 14 months.
Jim’s key role within the Philip Astley Project is as our paper archivist and local history expert, but also he always helps to bring a sense of fun to our meetings and events.
Andrew Van Buren writes: “We are over the moon in the Philip Astley Project that Jim has been recognised with this award, he is such a lovely person and always a pleasure to spend time with, his knowledge of local history has proved invaluable over the years and his dogged collection of Philip Astley material is legendary, I am pleased that I can call him a good friend. Jim joins my parents Fred Van Buren and Connie Greta, who also received the Freedom of the Borough in 2019. The award to the Royal Stoke University Hospital too is amazing, the hospital staff do such amazing work, only last year they worked tirelessly and wonderfully looked after my mum for the months leading up to her sad passing, for which I can’t thank them enough”.
Both The Royal Stoke University Hospital and Jim Worgan’s Freedom of the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme awards were proposed by the outgoing Worshipful Mayor of the Loyal and Ancient Borough Cllr John Cooper.
