Freedom of county for Jenkins
A WELSH rugby legend and key workers have been awarded the freedom of a South Wales county.
Former Wales player Neil Jenkins and Rhondda Cynon Taf’s key workers were awarded the honour at a meeting of RCT council on Wednesday.
Jenkins was nominated for his services to rugby and key workers for their selfless hard work and dedication that saved the lives of many through the Covid pandemic.
Jenkins remains Wales’ record points scorer, having racked up 1,049 points for his country.
The Church Village-born phenomenon played for Pontypridd, Cardiff, Celtic Warriors, Wales and the British & Irish Lions during a glittering career from 1990 to 2004.
He remains on the nation’s side’s coaching staff, as its kicking skills coach.
A report went before full council putting forward the recommendations of the freedom of the borough working group to council.
The freedom of the borough is the highest accolade that the county borough can bestow and is usually granted for outstanding service to, or achievement associated with Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The report said that it is generally considered that the number of people receiving this status should be few in number to maintain the importance of the accolade.
Previously the freedom of the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf had been awarded to the Royal Welsh Regiment, Stuart Burrows, the miners of South Wales, Elaine Morgan, the Welsh Guards and Bernard Baldwin, Matthew James, Dai Dower, The Cory Band and David Roberts and RAF St Athan.
The working group also suggested that a standalone outdoor event is taken forward, as a “thank you” for the work and dedication of key workers throughout the pandemic.
The event will take place in accordance with Welsh Government and the council’s own Covid safety standards and requirements.
The working group is made up of the mayor, the leaders of each political group and the cabinet member for council business and considered several nominations in May before putting forward the two nominees for council’s consideration.
The report said: “Rhondda Cynon Taf has a proud record of recognising and honouring those who have given extraordinary service to the county borough and has a well-established tradition of conferring the freedom of the borough on worthy candidates.
“This accolade is highly prestigious and is intentionally relatively scarcely awarded to preserve its importance.”