THREE people were made Freemen of Altrincham by the Provost, Burgess Ken Garrity at the Court Leet’s Trinity Assize at Altrincham Town Hall.

They were Mike Shields, Margaret Norris and Dr Mike Nevell. Philip Rose received two silver lion awards.

Rebecca Gould was given a golden blade award for endeavour.

The guests included Councillor Robert Chilton, Deputy Mayor of Trafford, and Deputy Lord Lieutenants of Greater Manchester, Susan Craig and John Kennedy.

Michael Shields had held top ranking posts with five leading organisations including being Chief Executive Officer of Trafford Borough Council,

After his retirement in 2011, he helped to set up the Altrincham Town Centre Neighbourhood plan.

He said: “The important point is that the recognition should not go to me but all who helped to produce the town plan.

“The suggestion to create it came at a meeting of Altrincham Forward as a result of the Localism Act 2011.

When asked about setting up a forum, 100 people responded and 2,000 people filled in three long and complicated questionnaires.”

Margaret Norris, 86 is a well-known scenic artist with Altrincham Garrick. She painted some of the chimney pots for their production of CATS.

Her greatest achievement was in 1998 when she produced a mammoth painting to mark the 700th anniversary of Altrincham’s Charter.

“It’s a strange feeling becoming a Freeman – unbelievable,” she said.

Archaeologist, Dr Michael Nevell said he was delighted to receive the honour.

As Head of Archaeology at Salford University, he oversees research and does consultancy work as well as helping with teaching. He enjoys working with undergraduates the most.

“They are new to Archaeology and come to it fresh,” he said.

His team of 20 develop the subject across the region.

“We have two digs going on at present,” he said. “One is at Riddings Hall in Burnley. The other at Hoghton Towers in Chorley.

Dr Nevell is chair of South Trafford Archaeological Group.

Philip Rose founded SciTech in 1991. Via schools and summer schools it helps children to understand science ---and technology in a fun way.

“As a dyslexic I especially like helping dyslexic children. I tell them they have good memories and encourage them to reach their full potential,” he said.

His company teaches in schools around the world but he especially enjoys working in townships in South Africa.

For information about summer schools to be held at North Cestrian School from July 29, see scitech.schools.uk.