27/03/2024 - Five outstanding individuals granted Freedom of the Borough

Freedom of the Borough can be conferred upon “persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent service to the Borough.”

At the ceremony a resolution was made giving reasons as to why each individual was being proposed for the award. Upon the acceptance of this Freedom of the Borough was conferred upon the five. At this point the newly appointed Honorary Freemen and Freewoman signed a declaration and the Roll.

The Mayor, councillor Yaqub Hanif then presented each with a memento of the occasion and they were invited to give a speech.

Councillor Hanif said, “It is a genuine pleasure to acknowledge and thank each of the recipients of this award. Luton’s strength lies in its people and to be able to confer Freedom of the Borough upon these individuals who have given so much to the town is nothing more than they deserve.

“In different ways and in different fields, each encapsulates what it means to be a Lutonian: to help others and to make our town a better place through their words and actions. It is an honour for me to be present and play a small part in acknowledging what they mean to us all.”

Imam Qazi Abdul Aziz Chishti MBE is well-known and respected both within and beyond Luton’s Muslim community.

In 1986 he founded the Jamia Islamia Ghousia Trust, a charity providing religious and welfare support to the Muslim community and running an Islamic Education Centre which serves to offer religious education to both youth and elders, holding regular seminars and conferences. 

During Covid-19 he personally oversaw and led over 100 funerals within the Muslim community bringing solace to bereaved families at a time of desperate sadness.

Mr Geoffrey Farr MBE DL served as a Conservative councillor on Luton Council from 1961 to 1969 and as an Alderman from 1969 to 1972. 

He has been a supporter and fundraiser of Keech hospice since the charity’s formation 30 years ago, most notably leading a team of volunteers to establish its garden. 

He is a co-Founder and President of the Patrons of the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation and a Life Member of the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers of London.

Mr Mick Harford needs no introduction to fans of Luton Town FC where he has spent a large portion of both his playing and non-playing career. In addition to two separate spells as a player at Luton, he has been the club's director of football, first-team coach and manager. 

His commitment to the club and unerring support for its role in the town, has rightly earned him the status of “legend”.

Dr Nazia Khanum OBE DL is a tireless international champion of human rights, education, equalities, especially gender equality and elimination of violence and promotion of respect for and celebration of diversity and peace.

After performing senior roles in five English local authorities, she became founder Director of Equality in Diversity - an independent management, research, training and community empowerment Community Interest Company. She is Chair of Luton British Bangladesh Helping Hand, Luton Multicultural Women’s Coalition (1996 to date) and Purbachal – the eastern sky.

She is the first Asian woman to become a Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire in its 500 year- history.

Mr Derek Ludlow, MBE CBE DL came to the UK from his birthplace of Dublin. He began working locally for a national engineering product supply company until in 1975 he formed his own company, serving the automobile industry, and eventually overseeing one of the most successful car body shop companies in the country.

He has held numerous positions in a wide range of organisations that invigorate the life of the town: supporting businesses; engaging with sports clubs, including Luton Town FC; cultural groups and charities.