Date: 17/10/2007
High Peak Borough Council will be admitting Raymond (Ray) Davies as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough on Monday 22 October.
Mr Davies, who is a member of the Glossop Mountain Rescue Team, is being honoured for his outstanding service to the community. The council passed a resolution to admit him at a full council meeting held on 1 March this year.
Born and educated in Old Glossop, Ray became interested in mountaineering in 1955 when he was a member of the Glossop Scout Association. In 1957, he became the leader of the Glossop District Rover Crew, which developed into the Glossop Rover Mountain Rescue Team the following year.
Ray, who was awarded an MBE this year "for services to Mountain Rescue in Derbyshire," has been a controller of the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation since 1964. He was the elected Chairman of the Glossop Mountain Team from 1976 to 2006, and Secretary to the Mountain Rescue Council for 25 years. In 2003, he was awarded the Mountain Rescue Council's highest honour, the Certificate of Distinguished Service, and received the Chief Constable's Commendation for his valuable contribution to the rescue services.
Councillor John Faulkner, Leader of High Peak Borough Council, said: "The Council is delighted to admit Mr Davies as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough. His enthusiastic and diligent service to the community and visitors to the High Peak is outstanding."
At the freedom ceremony, which is taking place at Glossop Cricket and Bowling Club, Mr Davies will be presented with an illuminated scroll.