AMONG those attending Altrincham Court Leet’s Hilary Assize at Altrincham Town Hall recently, was the Mayor of Trafford, Councillor John Holden.

He saw retired cub scout leader, Graham Mathers, musician Roger Shelmerdine and environmentalist, Mary Eastwood, made Freemen of Altrincham, in recognition of their service to the community.

In the ceremony on January 23, aldermen and burgesses presented ancient reports, such as that by Alderman DerekPierce, chimney looker.

As market looker, Alderman Denise Laver congratulated Altrincham Market on becoming Market of the Year in the Observer Food Monthly Awards in October.

The provost, Alderman Mark Rae, announced that, in July, Altrincham would create a Guild of Freemen.

“It will be an exciting time” he said.

Graham Mathers, 86, joined 4th Hale Scout Group when he was 12. In the late 1940s he became cub scout leader, or akela.

He continued officially until he was 60 and helped out for 20 more years. Now he teaches flower arranging to cubs, brownies and guides.

“It was rather nice to be honoured,” he said.

Roger Shelmerdine, 66, who, in 2014 composed an oratorio, The Poppies Blow, performed by Altrincham Choral Society, said: “I can’t imagine a day without music.”

“I like the history of the Court Leet,”

Mary Eastwood, 87, couldn’t remember a day without a garden.

She has lived in her Heyes Lane home all her life and has opened her garden for charity since the 1960s. She still admires trees planted by her father.

She started the Timperley Community Orchard, assists local schools with environmental issues and helped to form the Friends of Brooks Drive.

“I’m pleased I never sit back and do nothing,” she said.