Community stalwart Angela Powell has been awarded the title of Honorary Freeman by Chippenham Town Council

Honorary Freeman is the highest honour the Town Council may award to a member of the local community.

Angela became the town's youngest ever borough councillor back in May 1964, when she was nominated for Town Ward in the then Borough Council elections.

In the following years, she made a huge impact on improving her local community.

In 1965, as chairman of Public Health and Highways Committee, she proudly signed the first £1million cheque for a new sewage system, preparing the way for future development.

Angela was appointed Mayor of Chippenham Borough Council serving May 1969/1970, becoming the youngest mayor in the country at that time.

In 1970 Angela was the youngest and only woman in the Borough’s history to be elected to the position of Alderman. She was also sworn in as Magistrate serving regularly on the Bench at Chippenham Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court in Swindon.

She went on to succeed in a number of other ventures, including as a Borough Lands Trustee and even as a tour guide in Chippenham.

Since retiring in 2004, she has continued voluntary work including giving talks to groups, visiting elderly and care home residents.

Angela said: “I could not be more delighted to have been nominated and awarded the title of Honorary Freeman by Chippenham Town Council. I have greatly enjoyed working with the local community in Chippenham to support those who need it and to showcase our town as a wonderful place to live and visit.”

The current Mayor of Chippenham, Councillor Teresa Hutton, added: “Angela has devoted her life to helping others to support the community; her work had such a positive impact on those living in Chippenham.

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