Highest honour for Youtube scientist and ‘Mr Sunshine’
WORLD-RENOWNED scientist Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff is among six people who have been awarded Freemen status by Broxtowe Borough Council.
The council bestows the award of Honorary Alderman, Freeman of the Borough and Freedom of Entry on individuals who have made a significant contribution to the community, which are the highest honours they can give.
Sir Martyn, originally from London, studied at the University of Cambridge and became a Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Nottingham in 1979.
As Research Professor of Chemistry, he has been dedicated to bringing science to as many people as possible, including as presenter of his popular Youtube channel Periodic Table of Videos.
In 2008, Sir Martyn was awarded a CBE for his services to science, followed by a Knighthood for services to Chemistry in 2015, and in 2021 a Nottingham tram was named after him. He is an engaged member of the community, noting the success of his children and students as his proudest moments.
Kenneth Storer, a 96-year-old who has been supporting sick children at QMC for more than 15 years, was also honoured by the council.
Affectionately known as ‘Mr Sunshine,’ he takes a bus and a tram to the hospital to deliver donated supplies to the wards for the children to use for activities during their stay.
It comes after Mr Storer’s granddaughter Bridie was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 15 in 2006. As he visited the hospital regularly to bring food and supplies to his family during her stays at QMC over two years, he witnessed the difficult times children on the ward and their families were experiencing.
Inspired to do something positive, he persuaded his employers at Wades Printers to donate paper and supplies to him so he could take them to the wards for the children to use.
Community First Responder Derek Burnett BEM, has dedicated many years to supporting vulnerable people to live a better quality of life.
As well as co-ordinating the Nuthall and District Community
First Responder Group, Derek and his team run CPR courses to local community groups and support them to access and maintain the defibrillators across the borough.
Mr Burnett was able to use his experience as a police officer, together with his strong personal values, to help guide prisoners with a background in the Armed Forces back into society.
In 2007, Derek was elected onto Broxtowe Borough Council, representing Nuthall West and Watnall for the Conservatives. He remained a councillor until 2019, when he stood down following a successful year as mayor, in which he raised over £7,000 for the Soldiers,’ Sailors,’ & Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA) and East Midlands Ambulance Service.
Freeman status was awarded to David Bingham, an entrepreneur who has been a driving force in creating opportunities for jobs, businesses and economic growth in Broxtowe borough following the closure of Moorgreen Pit.
In 1969, David set up Caunton Engineering Ltd. The business expanded and after moving premises several times, they settled on the site of the former National Coal Board National Workshops and Stores at Moorgreen.
The purchase of the site was initially to provide a new production facility, however the other ex-colliery buildings came as part of the deal so as a landlord, David was keen to encourage other businesses to the site and see the whole area brought back into use.
The project by Broxtowe Borough
Council received £2.75m funding in 1995, and David was involved in many of the initiatives, including the development of the Moorgreen Industrial Park, Moorgreen Community Woodland and the Moorgreen Colliery Site.
In addition, he ensured that he and his colleagues supported skills training and job opportunities through the local college and various community projects.
Gillian Bourne, an 86-year-old from Stapleford, was awarded after she ensured the continued success of scouting over more than 45 years. In 1977, she began volunteering with 5th Stapleford Scout Group and became a Cub Leader in 1978, marking the start of over 45 years and counting of committed service to supporting and developing young people in Broxtowe.
Recruiting and retaining leaders proved difficult, and as a result the groups were also losing children.
Recognising the importance of the organisation in improving the prospects of young people in the area, the idea of it closing altogether was unbearable to Gill.
Despite having a demanding full time job and bringing up three children, she became a Scout Leader in addition to her duties as Cub Leader.
She has twice received official recognition of special service through the Scout Association, receiving the Medal of Merit in 2002 for her service to the group, and the Silver Acorn for specially distinguished service within the organisation in 2015.
BUSINESSMAN, LONG-SERVING SCOUT LEADER AND FIRST RESPONDER AMONG THOSE AWARDED FREEMEN STATUS