News Key Workers throughout Covid-19 receive Honorary Freedom of the Borough
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has awarded Honorary Freedom of the Borough to the critical key workers from the public, private and voluntary sectors that put their lives at risk during the Covid-19 pandemic to keep others safe.
At an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held last night, Thursday 6 March 2025, MBC Councillors approved the decision to bestow the honour, in recognition of the individuals who put their own lives at risk to help and support their communities during the pandemic.
Representatives from Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, One Maidstone Business Improvement District (BID) and Involve Kent were invited to the meeting to accept the award on behalf of the public, private and voluntary sectors, respectively.
Cllr Stuart Jeffery, Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, commented on the honour, saying:
Covid changed and affected our communities deeply, and during this time of deep anxiety, sadness and loss, it was the key workers who risked their lives to keep us all safe. The Honorary Freedom of the Borough is granted in recognition of this heroism, and I hope that the recipients of this award use it as an opportunity to reflect on their sacrifices and take pride in the efforts they made during the lockdowns.
The representatives also shared a few words after accepting the honour:
Miles Scott, CEO Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust:
The experience of the pandemic impacted everyone in society, and the support of local people provided ongoing inspiration and motivation during this time. This is a really special honour to be awarded Freedom of the Borough, and I am grateful to receive this on behalf of the hospital, our colleagues across the NHS and the wider public sector. We will proudly display the certificate in the reception area for our staff and visitors to appreciate.
Michelle Woodland, CEO One Maidstone BID:
I am deeply honoured to accept this award on behalf of the resilient businesses of Maidstone. Throughout the pandemic, the private sector provided essential services to those who lived and worked in our communities. Let’s celebrate these private sector heroes through this award.
Gary Wells, CEO Involve Kent:
This award is a testament to the incredible dedication and compassion demonstrated by the staff and volunteers across the voluntary sector during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. In the first four weeks of the pandemic, we had such a flood of people wanting to volunteer and put themselves on the frontline, and a huge amount of respect goes to those who became involved in the efforts. Your dedication helped to strengthen the fabric of our communities.
In Maidstone, 633 people sadly lost their lives as a result of Covid-19, and the UK Government has set-up the Covid Commemoration to remember and acknowledge those who were lost since the pandemic began, as well as paying tribute to the frontline workers and those who showed extraordinary acts of kindness during this unprecedented time.
MBC is leading a series of events to recognise the legacies of those who died during the pandemic in the week leading up to the Day of Reflection on Sunday 9 March 2025, which marks the fifth anniversary of the lockdowns. The Freedom of the Borough has been awarded to give respect and thanks to the workers who made a difference during this significant period in global history.