Published Tuesday, 24th September 2024
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has honoured footballer Millie Bright with the title of Honorary Freewoman for services to sport.
She becomes the first woman to hold the title in the Borough's fifty-year history.
Millie Bright with Cllr Eddy Humphreys the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead
Excellent role model
Nominating her for the award, Cllr Rich Michalowski noted: "Millie Bright is a topflight footballer living in our borough. She is the defensive pillar upon which England built their EURO 2022 title success and captained England to the Women's World Cup final in 2023. She is an excellent role model, a serial winner, and someone who without a doubt, has encouraged many young people in our borough to take up sport".
The title of Honorary Freewoman of the Borough is awarded to 'persons of distinction and persons who have rendered eminent services to the Borough.'
An application for the conferment of an honorary title is usually initiated through a third-party for example a discussion between the political groups on the Council and not applied for by the individual seeking the conferment.
Millie poses for a picture with Council officials shortly after her bestowment
Grateful
Of the honour, Ms Bright said: "I'm really grateful to be awarded with this great accolade. A place that has become my home, I'm proud of this community and how the people take care of one another”.
The honour was bestowed on her by Cllr Eddy Humphreys, Mayor of Reigate and Banstead at a private event held at the Town Hall on Tuesday 24 September 2024.
Millie and the Mayor shortly after the award
Incredible athlete
John Keegan from East Surrey Girls FC, a local football club that Ms Bright has supported, said: “Millie is an incredible athlete, leader and role model. She is also a kind and generous person in the local community, and she continues to be an inspiration to all of us at East Surrey Girls FC.”
Since Reigate & Banstead was founded, the title has previously been awarded to Lt. Col. Ernest A. Crowe (1988), Norman C. Smith (1995), Michael Geikie Ormerod (2007), and most recently Colin Sutherland MBE (2024).
If you know any resident of the borough who is deserving of the honour, we encourage you to contact the Mayor’s office for a nomination form.