Dame Julie Kenny to be made honorary freewoman of Rotherham

Dame Julie was recognised by the Queen in her Birthday Honours last year for her crucial role in securing the future of the Grade I-listed stately home Wentworth Woodhouse, where she is chairman of the preservation trust.

A nomination to admit Dame Julie as a honorary freewoman of the borough was submitted to the latest full council meeting by Coun Jenny Andrews, Rotherham mayor, with the support of 10 other councillors.

The nomination set out the various outstanding works and achievements of Dame Julie on behalf of the borough and South Yorkshire.

Coun Andrews, said: “Dame Julie is well known and respected throughout the country for her hard work and dedication to numerous roles over the years.

“She has provided an outstanding service as a major employer here in the borough and is an inspirational businesswoman.

“She has also spearheaded the restoration of Wentworth Woodhouse and carried out work with numerous charities across Rotherham and South Yorkshire, as well as holding various roles on government bodies.

“I can think of no-one else more deserving than Dame Julie to be put forward for the honour.”

Dame Julie, who raised three children as a single mother, founded a security system manufacturing company in Rotherham and was made a CBE in 2002 for her services to industry.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to The Star website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.