50 years of service to Acton Parish recognised

Christine Johnson receives the Freedom of Acton from Councillor Colin Spence

To Acton Annual Meeting yesterday to see Christine Johnson receive Freedom of the Parish in recognition of 50 years service to Acton Parish Council.  The Freedom Scroll was presented to her by County Councillor, Colin Spence.

Christine and her husband David moved to Acton in the autumn of 1966, and it was not long before Christine was appointed Parish Clerk.  She was fulfilling this role when I was the District Councillor for Waldingfield from 2007 to 2015, and I have to say that there was very little about the village that Christine did not know.  Yesterday evening she was described as a 'walking Google'.  I was always very grateful for her help and support.

Having resigned as Parish Clerk a few years ago, Christine became a member of the Parish Council and she has been Chairman for the past two years.  Now standing down from the Chair owing to the illness of her husband,  she remains a Parish Councillor.  Christine has been succeeded by Paul Chaplin, pictured below signing his acceptance of office.

I am not entirely sure what being a Freeman of Acton involves, but I am sure that whatever it is Christine will enjoy exercising her hard won rights!