Southern Co-op has been presented with the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth – where the society was founded 150 years ago – on behalf of its retail and funeralcare workers.
The certificate and plaque were given by Portsmouth City Council in recognition of the work undertaken to support communities during the pandemic.
A total of 15 Freedom of the City plaques were handmade in the Hotwalls Studios and given to groups and organisations in Portsmouth to represent all other groups and organisations in their fields.
The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Tom Coles, said: “The council has expressed its gratitude and appreciation for work done to support residents during the pandemic, by awarding the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth to all critical workers and volunteers involved. Southern Co-op did a wonderful job, and in its 150th year it’s fitting that it has this honour on behalf of all of its staff, and on behalf of all retail and funeral care workers across the city.”
Although a purely symbolic gesture, Freedom of the City reportedly allows you to march your sheep through Guildhall Square, march through the city with bayonets fixed and colours flying, and if you are going to be executed, you can choose to be hung by a red silk noose.
Offered to individuals to celebrate a significant achievement, before the pandemic only 33 people had been bestowed the accolade since 1895, including Winston Churchill and Princess Diana.
The plaque and certificate was presented to Southern Co-op outside its retail store in Highland Road by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Tom Coles.
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The society’s CEO Mark Smith said: “We are deeply honoured to accept the Freedom of the City certificate and plaque on behalf of all the dedicated funeral and retail workers across the city.
“This recognition from Portsmouth City Council is a testament to the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of our colleagues in supporting our communities throughout the pandemic.
“As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, this honour holds a special significance. We are proud to stand together with our colleagues and express our heartfelt gratitude to the Lord Mayor and Portsmouth City Council for this remarkable recognition.”
The original resolution from a meeting of the full council read: “The City Council wishes to record its gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful work done by critical workers and volunteers in many different roles to support residents of Portsmouth during the COVID 19 pandemic. The support given has been phenomenal and the City Council wishes to recognise the dedication, self-sacrifice, skill and hard work shown by so many, by awarding the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth to all critical workers and volunteers who have supported residents of Portsmouth during the pandemic.”
The plaque states: “Commemorating the freedom of the city bestowed by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and City Council to mark outstanding contributions by staff & volunteers in supporting the city’s residents Covid pandemic 2020-21.”
