Honorary Burgess Scheme

NOMINATIONS FOR THIS SCHEME ARE NOW CLOSED.  

 

What is the Honorary Burgess Scheme?

In recognition of the significant voluntary contributions being made by some local residents to the quality of life in the town, Leighton-Linslade Town Council has introduced a scheme that will result in the title of Burgess of Leighton-Linslade being awarded to deserving nominees.  Called a “Title of Dignity”, it is similar to being given Freedom of Entry to the Town and is complementary to National Honours and to the County Awards presented by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire.  It will be limited to voluntary activities that are of benefit to residents of Leighton-Linslade, so there is no conflict with existing honours.


Who can receive the honour?

The honour is open to anyone who has served the town and who meets the following nomination criteria:

  • the nominee is resident, or has been resident, within the boundaries of the town during the period of service for which the nomination is being made.
  • the nominee has served the community in one or more voluntary capacities for at least ten years, performing a service which is of benefit to the town or to a vulnerable community within the town.
  • the nominee is not a serving Councillor, nor can he/she have served, during the previous term of the Council. 

There is no limit to the number of nominations or concurrent holders of the title, but the nature of the nomination criteria means it is unlikely that the honour will be frequently awarded and will therefore remain distinctive.


What is the process of nomination?

Once nominations have been received, they will be scrutinised by a panel of elected members, chosen by officers for their independence from the nominees.  Members of the panel may conduct inquiries to verify the merits of a nomination, probably through discussions with other residents who may be acquainted with the voluntary work carried out by the nominee.      

Following a recommendation to full Council that an award is justified, the honour of Burgess of Leighton-Linslade will be granted by the Town Mayor and the title holder presented with a scroll citing the grounds for the award. 

Nominations may only be made using the appropriate form, which can be obtained from the Town Council offices in the White House or downloaded from the links above.


Honorary Burgess Title Holders:

  2012  T. Hawkins

  2012  M. Rich

  2012  J. Woolley

  2011   G. Lathwell

  2010   F. Barrett

  2010   T. Birch

  2010   A. White

  2009   G. Brazier

  2009   L. Finley-Day

  2008   Rev. W. Jones

  2008   P. Savage

  2007   R. Gibbon

  2007   Rev. P. Lymbery