'Local heroes' honoured with freedom of Barnard castle

BARNARD Castle stalwarts John Hinchcliffe, Marie Yarker, John Watson and Revd John Moore became the fab four when they were made honorary freemen – and freewoman.

They were given the freedom of the town in recognition of their voluntary and charity work stretching back decades.

It was the first time four people have received the ceremonial award at one time and the first time a woman had been granted it.

In presenting the honour in Barnard Castle School’s chapel last Thursday, mayor Cllr Sandra Moorhouse joked: “The honour is symbolic – they will still have to pay parking fines and it’s a myth they can graze their sheep and cattle on council ground.

“There are no free pints either although there is the possibility the council may approve a free round of mini-golf but I can’t promise anything.”

She added: “The honour recognises the contribution from individuals or groups that have gone the extra mile.”

The town council said Mrs Yarker has been a been devoted fundraiser, volunteer, community champion and baker extraordinaire and her impact and community service is far reaching.

Her roles have included being a Guider in the Barnard Castle District for more than 30 years, being mayoress when her husband, John, was mayor three times, and supporting events such as Barnard Castle Meet and the 1940s weekend.

She has played an important role in the fundraising group Friends of Richardson Hospital and ran a popular community “crafty” cafe in Barnard Castle Methodist Church Hall until recently. She is known for her baking skills – having trained to bake for the Royal family. She still bakes daily, often donating pies and cakes for charity events and fundraisers.

Mrs Yarker described the award as a great honour.

“In fact it’s a double honour because I’m the town’s first freewoman,” she said.

She thanked all who had supported her, including her family who had “egged her on” to keep going.

Revd John Moore came to Barnard Castle School as chaplain in 1973, combining both his role in the church with his training as a teacher.

He was also head of religious education and a housemaster, offering pastoral support to many pupils. He is credited with changing the way boarders lived in the town, especially the experience of younger pupils. Mr Moore was the founder of Teesdale’s only talking newspaper for blind people and was also chairman of the Dales Community Alarm Trust.

Mr Moore, who is now retired, said: “This is a great honour and unexpected. I’m very appreciative of the town council for recognising my work and those people who worked with me. When I started at Barnard Castle School, the headmaster said to me, ‘Moore, you are to make yourself available to the community’. The rest is history.”

John Hinchcliffe has been a stalwart figure in the town’s local government affairs for 47 years, having provided service as local councillor to Barnard Castle from 1970 to 2017. He was governor at Barnard Castle School and Green Lane Primary School for 38 years and was also on the board of Teesdale Preservation Trust.

He has supported the Friends of Richardson Hospital and his volunteer work earned him an Attend Diamond Award signed by Prince Andrew. He was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2012.

Mr Hinchcliffe said he had enjoyed many years on the council and his highlight was meeting the Queen Mother twice.

John Watson served on the town council for 38 years and also served on the now defunct district council. He has supported affordable housing provision, lobbied for better traffic management, road safety and a scheme for pedestrian safety. He has also secured a weight restriction on County Bridge and was instrumental in extending Barnard Castle’s conservation area. He has campaigned for the town council to take control of Durham County Council assets so green areas and public seating could be improved. Local planning issues were always high on his agenda, the town council said, adding that he has felt passionately about the plight of the Richardson Hospital.

Mr Watson said he valued the honour immensely. He added: “It has been a pleasure to serve and demonstrate my gratitude.”

Guests attending the ceremony included the High Sheriff, Caroline Peacock; The Lord-Lieutenant Sue Snowdon and the headmaster of Barnard Castle School, Tony Jackson.