England & Newcastle Falcons Jonny Wilkinson

awarded 

Freedom of the City of  Newcastle Upon Tyne 27th February 2004.  

Jonny came to Newcastle Upon Tyne and joined Newcastle Falcons with Rob Andrew in 1997 and both he and his whole family have adopted the City and area as their home.

Jonny was honored in front of his Father, Mother, Brother Mark also plays for Falcons), Grandfather and his girlfriend Diana Stewart in a ceremony held at the Newcastle Civic Centre.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, councillor Margaret Carter, advised Jonny on presenting the freedom of the City that he was not however allowed to graze any cattle he may have on the Town Moor but he could take his rugby ball there if he so wished as it is customary only that hereditary Freeman be allowed to graze their cattle on the Town Moor.  To this everyone fell about laughing. 

She also  said: "Jonny has done so much to promote this region on a world stage, it is only fitting he receives this accolade.  "His sporting prowess is an inspiration to budding sports people."

Jonny Wilkinson joins other North-East sporting greats including former England captain Alan Shearer, Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards and Newcastle United legend, the late Jackie Milburn, on a roll of honour inscribed on the wall of the civic centre banqueting hall alongside those of 84 previous recipients including Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Bob Geldof.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge   Newcastle Quayside & Tyne Bridge

       Newcastle Town Moor Cattle       

Pictures of Newcastle provided by

Chris of  www.monkchester.co.uk - some excellent shots of Tyneside on this website

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