Freedom of the Borough for Major Edmund Gartside

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Major Edmund Gartside honoured with the ‘Freedom of the Borough’.

Major Edmund Gartside has been honoured with the ‘Freedom of the Borough’.

Major Gartside, 82, accepted the honour at a special ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall, where he paid thanks to those who nominated him.

As a lifelong resident of Bamford, Major Gartside was nominated for his work developing and promoting the Armed Forces Community Covenant within the borough, as well as his work on behalf of the Fusiliers Association Rochdale and the Royal British Legion Rochdale branch.

Major Gartside’s military career began in 1952 with National Service, he then served in the Territorial Service for more than 14 years before becoming a member on the board at The Fusilier Museum in Bury until retirement in 2015.

Councillor Richard Farnell, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “As a council are honoured to bestow the Freedom of the Borough on Major Edmund Gartside.

"In 2015 he unveiled the Gallipoli Stone which now sits proudly in our memorial gardens.

"Major Gartside’s selfless commitment to the armed forces family here in the borough has stretched over decades, so the honour will be well deserved.”

The Freedom of the Borough is a very rare honour used and is only awarded to residents who have made a significant contribution to the locality or have achieved something outstanding.

Major Gartside said: “It was a real surprise for me to hear I’d been nominated for this great honour and I feel delighted and humbled to even be considered. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported me during all these years and to those that have recommended me for this accolade.”

Councillor James Gartside is Major Gartside’s cousin and has worked with him for over 40 years. He said: “As a family we are really delighted and proud. Edmund has lived in Rochdale all his life and has strong army and Royal British Legion connections here. His quiet support of many things Rochdale is exemplary and this honour shows the respect with which he is held throughout the borough.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for Armed Forces, said: “Major Edmund Gartside has been a key figure in our local Fusilier family, from a young officer in the Territorial Army through to president of the local branch of the Fusilier Association. I am honoured that we’re able to give such an award to Major Gartside for the work he has done for the armed forces in our borough and his unwavering commitment from a young age.”