COLNE Town Council met for an Extraordinary Full Council last Tuesday to debate making its second Freeman of the town since it revived the practice after a 46-year lull for Steven Burke in 2016. The citizen that Councillors chose unanimously to honour was town historian, Geoff Crambie.

The motion, proposed by Cllr Sarah Cockburn-Price, was that Geoff Crambie, Colne’s historian, should receive the Freemanship of the town of Colne. It was seconded by Cllr. Mary Thomas.

Cllr Cockburn-Price’s citation was recorded in the Council minutes for posterity: “A passionate celebrant of Colne’s heritage, Geoff Crambie has written 10 books on the history of Colne and associated topics. His popular weekly column on old Colne and its characters ran for over 40 years in the Leader Series of newspapers. Geoff is also in demand as a humorous speaker. He has been a stalwart of the Town Council’s Colne Commemorates series of events, as well as editing the heritage element of the Neighbourhood Plan. His deep love of his home town of Colne shines through in both his writing and his speech, acting as a reminder that that the past should not be taken for granted, but should be respected so it can be enjoyed by future generations.”

Mr Crambie will be presented with the Freemanship by Cllr. Paul Foxley, Chairman of Colne Town Council, in the presence of Mr. Crambie’s family, close friends and Town Councillors during a Civic Reception to be held at the Town Hall on the evening of 15th February.

As tradition dictates, an elaborate, illuminated scroll will now be prepared by specialist heraldic artist, Robin Utracik. The citation will read: “And in recognition of his outstanding contribution to recording and sharing the history and heritage of Colne and as a mark of the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens, the Town Council do hereby admit Mr Geoff Crambie to be an Honorary Freeman of the Town of Colne, the greatest honour which it is their privilege to bestow.”

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