Residents across Ealing and its seven towns have until the end of this month to nominate someone they believe makes the borough a better place – with the chance their nominee could be awarded the Freedom of the Borough, the council’s highest honour.
The Civic Honours scheme, revamped in 2023, invites locals to put forward individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community – whether through volunteering, activism, the arts, sport, or simple acts of kindness. Nominations close on 31 August 2025.
Honours range from the prestigious Freedom of the Borough – previously awarded to England footballer Bukayo Saka and offered to Euro winner Chloe Kelly – to Mayor’s Awards certificates. In some cases, the council may recommend recipients for national honours such as a CBE or OBE. Naming a street or building after someone is also a possibility.
While prominent figures are eligible, the council is keen to recognise “everyday heroes”. Past honourees include Edna Wilkie and Magdalen Carter, two women commemorated with housing blocks named after them for setting up supplementary schools for children of Caribbean heritage.
An Ealing Council spokesperson told EALING.NEWS: “The Civic Honours are a powerful reminder of the kindness, dedication and community spirit that makes the borough of Ealing such a special place to live.”
They added: “Over the past two years, we’ve seen so many heartfelt nominations from residents eager to shine a light on their local heroes – from tireless volunteers and carers to inspiring young people and community champions. We encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate someone who makes a difference. It’s a simple act that can have a big impact.”
Submissions will be reviewed in the autumn by the Civic Honours Committee, made up of councillors from across the political spectrum. The members are: Councillor Ranjit Dheer (Labour), Councillor Amarjit Jammu (Labour), Councillor Anthony Young (Conservative), Councillor Jon Ball (Liberal Democrat), Councillor Peter Mason (Labour), Councillor Mohinder Midha (Labour), Councillor Claire Tighe (Labour), Councillor Louise Brett (Labour) and Councillor Gareth Shaw (Labour).
Awards will be then presented in the new year. The scheme also ties in with a public art plan due for consultation later this year, which may include permanent installations celebrating local figures.
Nominations can be made via the council’s website.
