Honorary Freeman

Honorary Freeman is the highest honour Chippenham Town Council is able to award and are only able to award a maximum of three times over a course of a four year period.

If you would like to make a nomination, please read the criteria below and follow the process to ensure the nomination is made correctly:
• The nomination should be made in confidence without the nominee’s knowledge.
• Nominations require a proposer and a seconder, which must be a current Chippenham Town Councillor.

The reasons you may nominate someone for Honorary Freeman include:
• Bravery
• Outstanding acts that promote the Town
• Outstanding sporting achievement
• A contribution which is seen above the contribution of others
• A personal contribution to the promotion, achievement and/or delivery of community services
• A significant amount of time spent serving members of the community to ensure their well-being.

Angela Powell, 2021

Rod Jefferies MBE, 2025

In February 2021, Chippenham Town Council recognised the exceptional level of service Angela Powell has given to Chippenham by awarding her the title of Honorary Freeman.

Angela’s achievements include being the Town’s youngest ever Borough Councillor, the country’s youngest Mayor of the Borough Council in 1969/1970, and the youngest and only woman in the Borough’s history to be elected as Alderman. You can read more about her outstanding service on this link,  Angela Powell.

Rodney Jefferies was awarded the title of Honorary Freeman by Chippenham Town Council in March 2025, to recognise the exceptional service he has given to the town.

Rod began his service to the town at the age of 12, when he began playing the bugle in the Chippenham Army Cadet Band. This was the beginning of a long and dedicated musical journey, both playing himself in many military events and mentoring young buglers and drummers in Chippenham. You can find out more about Rod’s achievements on this link Rod Jefferies.

Jack Konynenburg, 2025

In March 2025, Jack Konynenburg was recognised for his exceptional service to the town of Chippenham, by being awarded the title of Honorary Freeman by Chippenham Town Council.

Jack has been heavily involved in the architectural development of Chippenham since his move to the town in 1981. His contributions include the redevelopment of the Neeld Hall and Borough Parade, the national cycle network running throughout Chippenham and working with the Civic Society on the restoration of the Buttercross. Read more about Jack’s service on this link,  Jack Konynenburg.