A motion to confer the Freedom of the Borough on Mr Gordon Turpin has been agreed by Waltham Forest Council.
Mr Turpin is to be recognised for his eminent services to the Borough of Waltham Forest
. The Freedom of the Borough award is an honour that can be conferred upon persons of distinction
and individuals who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Borough of Waltham Forest
, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972, Section 249 (5).
The nomination, moved by Councillor Tony Bell and seconded by Councillor John Moss, highlighted Mr Turpin's significant contributions to the Hyams Park community. These include his involvement in the annual Spring Festival, Arts Trail, and Christmas Fair, all of which continue to flourish
and have been bolstered by his efforts. The Spring Festival draws many people every year,
while the Arts Trail has gone from strength to strength
and is described as being really about fellowship
involving community coming together.
Furthermore, Mr Turpin was instrumental in the creation of Brookfield Meadows. Initially an anti-social behaviour initiative
, it has evolved into a very pleasant place to be
, situated next to the River Ching and linking an estate to schools and the Hyams Park Centre. It now features a new meadow with animal sculptures and benches, created by The Snedders
, a conservation group Mr Turpin established. He also led the work to cut back undergrowth at the site, which had previously made a path unsafe.
Mr Turpin also played a pivotal role in the Hyams Park plan, where he sorted out all those post-it notes
and cajoled, corralled, and collated different groups of local people
over five years. This led to the adoption of the Hyams Park neighbourhood plan with a remarkable 96% approval. He subsequently created the Hyams Park Community Interest Company, which has become a vital vehicle for funding various community projects, including Humphrey's Cafe, the station rooms, The Snedders, Picnic in the Park, and the restoration of the signal box.
He is also recognised for establishing The Snedders
, a conservation group known for their work in the forest, and has built positive relationships with the City of London Corporation and Epping Forest through this group.
A special meeting will be scheduled to formally confer the honour. The process for nominating and approving someone for the Freedom of the Borough involves a nomination being moved and seconded by councillors, who then consider the nomination. If agreed, a special meeting is scheduled to formally confer the honour, as detailed in the Public reports pack.