Freemen of Woodbridge honoured

TWO community stalwarts have been honoured as freemen of Woodbridge with their dedication to helping people of the town.

Mike Weaver, a history teacher at Woodbridge School, and Peter Bacon, secretary of Woodbridge Community Council, received their framed inscriptions from Mac Miles, Woodbridge mayor.

Mr Weaver, a former mayor, was described as a ''great ambassador for Woodbridge.'' He is a founder member of the Sutton Hoo Society, a founder trustee of the town's museum and chairman of Woodbridge's Tide Mill Trust.

Mr Weaver, a former Woodbridge Rugby Club player, has written eight books, most of them with help from his wife Carol, and he has documented the town's history.

Recently he won a Lloyds TSB-sponsored Lifetime Achievement Award when he was judged to be among the 150 most outstanding teachers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In 1999 he cycled 100 miles on a one-day charity ride organised by Woodbridge School to raise money for children with severe learning disabilities.

Mr Bacon is organiser of a Woodbridge tradition, the annual Community Council bazaar which has raised £27,000 since 1992. He is also secretary of the Community Hall Management Committee and clerk of works for any building work. Mr Miles said it was through Mr Bacon's efforts that the revenue from the hall had increased. Another tradition he has organised is the annual Viennese Concert on New Year's Day in the community hall.

The Community Council has funded projects in the town and Mr Bacon said: ''I think the town is a better place for what the Community Council has done.''

Woodbridge Town Council started appointing honorary freemen a year ago. The first recipients were Don Spall, founder of the Company of Four, and Daly Briscoe who has since died.