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Minister uniquely awarded Freedom of Stalham
Minister uniquely awarded Freedom of Stalham
Rev. Ron Skivington and his wife Jane have been awarded the honour of the Freedom of the Town for the first time in Stalham's history. Ian Boughton reports
A unique honour has been given to a North Norfolk minister – Ron Skivington and his wife Jane have been awarded the Freedom of Stalham, in recognition of over thirty years’ service to Stalham Baptist Church and the community in general. The honour is unique because they are the first residents of the town ever to be given this distinction
The Stalham town council’s freedom policy says that the honour is “one of the most prestigious appointments that a council can bestow. An authority may admit to be honorary freemen or freewomen persons of distinction, who have rendered eminent services, who have made a very significant contribution to the community and who have demonstrated ‘service above self’”
Ron and Jane Skivington, both Scots, arrived in Stalham just over thirty-five years ago. Their church today plays a very active part in the local community, with activities ranging from community fridge and messy church to to Bible Art, craft, ‘warm space’ facilities and bereavement support. Services and the pastor’s messages are available online, and the church publishes its own local magazine
Ron Skivington remarks that he sees the award as recognition of the efforts of his entire congregation: “The award was to Jane and I, but without all the hard work so many people put into the life of Stalham Baptist Church, it wouldn't have happened, and so I see it as a recognition of our view that ‘we are all ministers’.
“It is recognition of all the various things that we as a church have been able to do which benefit Stalham”
The town council’s policy says that Freemen and Freewomen are entitled to wear a badge of office, attend civic functions, and “participate in civic processions, taking precedence amongst distinguished guests”
This has entertained some of his members, says Ron Skivington
“In olden days, Freedom may have given the recipients the right to bear arms, be free from certain taxes, trade in the markets without payment of rents, or drive or graze livestock in the town. Despite several asking if we can now drive sheep or highland cows through the town, or whether can I ride my bike the wrong way up the high street, it is purely a symbolic civic award that carries no special right for me to do anything”
Nevertheless, it did give him a theme for his weekly message, which he took from Galatians 5:1 - ‘it is for freedom that Christ has set us free’
“Freedom, whether physical or physical, is a pearl of great price, something to treasure, protest and preserve,” said Ron in his weekly message. “Paul is saying to us, remember the cost of your freedom, and cling to the giver of it – he to whom Jesus has given freedom, is free indeed
“So while the freedom of Stalham is fun, it is temporal. The freedom Christ has brought is eternal”
Photo and story thanks to Ian Boughton
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Anna Heydon, 08/06/2025
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