Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent
Published: Thursday, 5th June 2025
Ten outstanding individuals and organisations have received one of Stoke-on-Trent’s highest civic honours in recognition of their exceptional service to the city.
The Honorary Freeman of the City titles were awarded as the city council held a special Civic Council meeting to mark 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was granted city status.
The award is a prestigious honour, often considered the highest civic accolade, is presented only to those who have made an extraordinary impact.
They celebrate the contributions made by going above and beyond to support local communities, represent the city on a national or international stage, or deliver lasting positive change.
Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “It is an absolute privilege to bestow the Freedom of the City on these individuals and organisations whose efforts have made a real and lasting difference.
“Each one of them represents the very best of Stoke-on-Trent – in spirit, dedication and achievement. As we mark our Centenary year, this honour is a fitting way to celebrate those who have helped shape our story.”
The recipients – leading business people Denise and Peter Coates, Mo Iqbal and John Goodwin, along with The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Sir Ian Dudson, local historian Fred Hughes, music promoter Mike Lloyd, Port Vale Football Club and club chair Carol Shanahan and former Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley – reflect the strength and resilience of Stoke-on-Trent.
Carol Shanahan OBE, businesswoman and chair of Port Vale Football Club, said: “I’m genuinely touched and a little bit overwhelmed to be receiving this honour, both for myself and on behalf of everyone at the football club.
“Stoke-on-Trent means the world to me; it’s a city full of heart, potential and – most importantly – remarkable people. It’s where I’ve built my life and found a community that I care deeply about.
“Everything we do at Port Vale is rooted in our commitment to this community; I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together so far and even more excited for what’s still to come.”
Joan Walley, former Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North, said: “It’s a great honour for me to be awarded this special status in the city’s centenary year. Thank you! This is a city like no other where people genuinely care about each other. When we all work together we can achieve so much. I’m looking forward to helping, where I can, to shape the next 100 years.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir Ian Dudson, said: “I am delighted and extremely honoured to be conferred with the Honorary Freedom of the City of Stoke-on-Trent. It is extra special that this comes on the Centenary of this City, which has been both my home and place of work for my whole life.
I am very grateful and proud to be recognised by the city in this way.”
For more on the Centenary and what’s happening across the city, visit sot100.org.uk.