By Julia Taylor

IN a ceremony that dates back to 1290, conducted by the Provost of Altrincham, Alderman Mark Rae, the Barony of Dunham Massey and Altrincham Court Leet created a new Freeman of the borough of Altrincham.

The honour went to John Pollard Smith, 79, a former chief executive of Altrincham Chamber of Commerce.

He left the chamber to become president of Altrincham Town Centre Partnership.

A former bank manager, he was involved with Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society for many years and sang with the Owen Wynne Chorale.

Mr Smith said: “Altrincham is a place with history and character. I feel as though this honour counts for something.”

Guests of honour were the Mayor and Mayoress of Trafford, John and Christine Holden.

In her role as Market Looker, the Immediate Past Provost, Denise Laver, was upbeat about the health of Altrincham Market. It had three butchers and three cheese and egg stall keepers and all are doing well.

As Guardian of the Silver Lion, she had presented the honour to several retiring businessmen and to former Provost, Alderman Doris Lunt, who had left the area.

Alderman Peter Powell, the Town Crier, said that, in April, he had attended Buckingham Palace to proclaim the Queen’s birthday. He had done the same outside the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge.