Issue - meetings

Following its decision taken on 11 October 2022, the Council is invited to consider and, if deemed appropriate, to pass the following resolution under the provisions of Section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act 1972:

"That the title of Honorary Freeman be conferred upon Mr Keith Geoffrey Churchouse in recognition of the distinguished and eminent service he has rendered to the Borough of Guildford.”

(NB. In order to take effect, Section 249 (5) of the 1972 Act requires the above draft resolution to be passed by no less than two-thirds of the councillors voting thereon at a meeting of the Council specially convened for the purpose.)

Keith Churchouse moved to Guildford as a child and has run his own Financial Planning business in Guildford for around 20 years.  He attended George Abbot School from 1979-1985.

Mr Churchouse has been involved in many aspects of the town including, but not limited to, the following:

·       Chair of Guildford Business Forum (2011-2014)

·       President Guildford Branch Surrey Chamber of Commerce

·       Founding Director of Experience Guildford (the Guildford Business Improvement District)

·       Trustee (2011-2014), and Chair (2013-2014) of Guildford Shakespeare Company

·       Trustee, Chair and Treasurer of Headway Surrey (2013-2020)

·       Sponsor of Lions Club Charity Firework event since 2017

·       Supporter of Guildford in Bloom with his company Chapters providing sponsorship, advice and a prize

·       Supporter and adviser to Guildford Shakespeare Company, the Guildford Sea Cadets and Headway Surrey

·       Sponsor and promoter of the Guildford Town Centre Cycle Races

Mr Churchouse continues to be actively, and selflessly, involved in charity work, including:

·       Child Poverty and Hunger as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic

·       Continuing involvement with Headway Surrey

·       Fundraising for Seafarers UK in Guildford

·       Involvement in Theatre and the Arts including Guildford Fringe and Guildford Shakespeare Company

·       Mr Churchouse suffers from Spina Bifida but still entered the Great South Run (10 miles) to raise money for SHINE (the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus charity)

Upon the motion of Councillor John Redpath, seconded by Councillor Paul Spooner, the Council unanimously

RESOLVED: That, pursuant to the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, the title of Honorary Freeman be conferred upon Keith Geoffrey Churchouse in recognition of the distinguished and eminent service he has rendered to the Borough of Guildford.