Telford Council Awards Freedom of Borough to Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew Stokes

Telford and Wrekin Council awarded the freedom of the borough to Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew 'Vern' Stokes for distinguished service to the nation and the pride he brings to the community. Stokes was born in Madeley, attended school in Wellington, joined the army at age 16, and now lives in Coalbrookdale.

He has served on operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and is currently based at Horse Guards in London.

Stokes oversaw the Trooping of the Colour and arranged the funerals of the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II, as well as the coronation of King Charles III. He has received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Royal Victorian Order, and the OBE. He also won a BAFTA for organizing the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance and serves as a Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire.

Stokes said he was immensely proud of his home town and deeply honoured to receive the award. He stated that the area and its people have shaped who he is and that seeing The Wrekin still gives him butterflies after 40 years. Council leader Lee Carter said Stokes embodied the best values held by the community.

Councillor Andrew Eade said he marvelled at the coordination of the British Army. At the same meeting, councillors approved a Special Recognition Award for Mark Pemberton, Chair of Trustees of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, for overseeing the transfer of museums to the National Trust last year.