Honorary Freemen and Freewomen of Potton
A “freeman of the town” historically referred to a person who was not tied to a feudal lord, with privileges like the right to trade and own land, often protected by the town’s charter. Today, it primarily refers to the prestigious Honorary Freemanship, an honorary title bestowed by a local council upon individuals of distinction for their significant service to the community, though it grants no special privileges.
To recognise the Freemen and Freewomen of Potton, the bells of St Mary’s Church are rung especially at 7pm on the Tuesday closest to their birthdays up until the first anniversary of their passing as a mark of respect.
If you would like to nominate someone who has served the community and made a significant contribution to the town, then please read the Freedom of the Town Policy, which contains information on eligibility and nomination criteria. If you are satisfied that the person you wish to nominate is eligible for the award, please download and complete the Freedom of the Town Nomination form below.
Nominations should be sent to the Town Clerk, Mr Jonathan Whitehurst, either by post to Potton Town Council, The Community Centre, Brook End, Potton SG19 2QS, or email your form to enquiries@pottontowncouncil.gov.uk.
Frederick ‘Eric’ Jakes MBE
Appointed: September 2014
Birthday: 8th May 1928
Eric Jakes was a Potton man born and bred. At the relatively young age of 27 for those days, he was elected onto Potton Parish Council, as it was then, in 1955. He served continuously until 2014.
During that time he also served on the old Biggleswade Rural District Council and, subsequently on Mid-Beds District Council which were both forerunners of the current Central Bedfordshire Council. During his tenure on all these authorities, he held the position of chairman.
Apart from his civic duties, Eric was also a member of Potton Consolidated Charity and a governor of Burgoyne Middle School (now Potton Primary School). He was a regular at St Mary’s Church since he was a boy, serving on the Parochial Church Council and holding may offices including church warden. When he retired as warden, he was honoured with the title of Warden Emeritus.
Eric passed away in December 2016.
Carlton Avison
Appointed: May 2024
Birthday: 17th February 1967
Carlton has lived in Potton with his wife Jo and their family since July 2006. In 2011 he set up his car repair and servicing business in the town, which freed up some of his time to become a Retained Firefighter at Potton Community Fire Station, and became more involved in community events. He joined the Party on Potton (POP) committee and was later chairman of the committee until he stepped down at the end of The Big Weekend in 2022.
He volunteers every year to put up and take down the Christmas lights display, and anything locally that needs doing.
During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, the ambulance service was in crisis and requested help from the Fire Service. Carlton put himself forward, and was originally seconded to work alongside paramedics for six weeks, but continued for 15 months whilst still working. He is now a co-responder with the Fire Service, and continues to do bank work for the ambulance service.
In 2022, Potton Town Council asked Carlton to become Potton’s office Town Crier, and has gone on to participate at many events including he Coronation of King Charles III and the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
Carlton has also organised numerous charity events, raising much needed funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer Now.
Peter Langridge
Appointed: March 2025
Birthday: 28th July 1950
Peter served as a town councillor for more than 20 years, four of them as Chairman.
During his period of service, Peter always presented the most honest, fair and balanced attitude towards what he believed to be the best interests of the people of the town, with an open willingness to listen to alternative views and opinions.
Outside of the council, Peter had over the years been a constant and reliable volunteer to many events and activities around the town including the Twinning Association, Party on Potton and Christmas Lights.
Peter was awarded Freeman of the Town just before his death in March 2025.
He is laid to rest in Potton Cemetery.
Alan Leggatt
Appointed: April 2025
Birthday: 29th May 1947
Alan served on the Town Council in excess of 20 years, serving as Chairman for four of them. He has supported multiple other bodies, on a voluntary basis, that aim to help and support the town as a whole. He supported the Twinning Association, representing Potton in Langenlonsheim as a Pottonian, Councillor and Chairman. He has served on Potton Consolidated Charity, representing the Town Council and ensuring that the community is supported and the aims of the Charity are achieved. He has also supported and participated in Party on Potton since its inception for the millennium celebrations and volunteers every year to help put up and take down the annual display of Christmas Lights.
Jean Way
Appointed: April 2025
Birthday: 27th September 1939
Jean gave almost 30 years service to the Town Council and in excess of 30 years on Potton Consolidated Charity. She was involved in the Twinning Association and served her community as a teacher at Burgoyne Middle School (now Potton Primary School).
Carol Leggatt
Appointed: April 2025
Birthday: 3rd March 1949
Carol serves the community of Potton in so many ways, most notably by organising the town’s coveted annual Christmas Lights display and Switch-on. She volunteers her time in multiple Potton events including Party on Potton and PottonFest, supports the Twinning Association and latterly serves as Town Councillor. For years she was at the heart of the community, educating many a Potton child in their formative years at Woodentops.
George Howe
Appointed: January 2026
Birthday: 18th April 1942
George has over four decades of voluntary work enhancing the community of Potton via an appreciation of its unique Heritage. He has been a committee member of the Potton History Society for 40 years, serving as Chairman of the Charity for 30 years.
George was instrumental in bringing about the History Society Annexe based at Mill Lane Pavilion which is a lasting community asset. An engaging speaker and walk leader, George helps residents and newcomers to appreciate the value of their local community.
George keeps the Railway History of Potton alive by maintaining the Station House and giving his ever popular rail talks.
Giving freely of his time, George helps to keep the Potton Car in the town as one of its unique assets.
George is ever present at the Potton’s shows and events.
Image: George Howe [left] presented with the Honorary Freeman of Potton award by Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Tim Sills [right] at a Community Celebration at Potton Hall for All on 14th April 2026.