New Freemen Chair Welcomes Vanessa from New Zealand to Newcastle
Nick Atkinson has taken over as Chair of the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne, pledging to build on the organisation’s historic responsibilities while opening new opportunities for engagement, participation and development.
Nick, who lives in the Tyne Valley, has been involved with the Freemen for decades and takes over from David Wilson following a carefully planned succession process designed to put the organisation in a strong position for the years ahead.
Having served on the Stewards’ Committee for 13 years and as vice-chairman for six years, Nick brings considerable experience of the organisation’s work and its relationships with local authorities and other strategic partners.
He described his appointment as a proud moment, while acknowledging the responsibility that comes with leading an organisation with such a long history.
“I’m hugely proud, privileged, and it’s a massive responsibility, but one that I’m really looking forward to doing,” he said.
Nick, who became a Freeman around the age of 20, said the transition had been planned for some time and represented an important opportunity to build on the work already underway.
One of his main priorities is to strengthen engagement with new generations of Freemen and challenge outdated perceptions of an organisation that continues to play an important role in Newcastle.
While the Freemen are widely associated with the grazing of cattle on Newcastle Town Moor, Nick is keen to highlight the breadth of their responsibilities and activities. These include ensuring the Town Moor remains available for recreation and exercise throughout the year, protecting the environment, supporting biodiversity, planting trees and managing the properties, land and leases under the organisation’s control.
Nick is also looking ahead to major events planned for next year, including music events that will require considerable preparation and collaboration.
As Chair, he wants to make the most of the skills and experience within the Stewards’ Committee, while encouraging members to take an active role in projects suited to their individual interests and expertise.
The organisation also intends to continue developing its relationships with local authorities and other partners to help deliver its wider objectives.
Nick is semi-retired and hopes to devote as much time as possible to the role.
“We are volunteers at the end of the day and sometimes people seem to forget that,” he said.
“You can devote as much time as needed, or you can just do the bare minimum. I want to give as much time as I can possibly devote to it, because there are things that we need to achieve.”
Nick was quick to pay tribute to David Wilson, whose period as Chair has helped prepare the organisation for its next phase.
He described David as a passionate advocate for the Freemen and the North East, praising his leadership, stewardship and personal support during the succession process.
“From my perspective, his mentorship has been invaluable. He’s been mentoring me for this role for many years now,” said Nick.
“You cut David through the middle, and it says Freeman of Newcastle. He’s massively passionate and is a true diplomat for the North.”
He added: “If I can be half the chairman that he’s been, then we’re in a good place.”
David, meanwhile, stressed that stepping down as Chair did not mean stepping away from the organisation. He intends to remain actively involved, contributing to new projects and helping to bring more people into its work.
He said the Freemen had a broad range of skills and experience that could be put to greater use through subcommittees and wider involvement beyond the Stewards’ Committee.
“I’m absolutely not stepping away from anything. I’m stepping into a new position, where we’ll be working together as a team,” he said.
David believes the new senior management structure will help provide a strong foundation for the next five to ten years.
Among the eight people sworn in as Freemen was Vanessa Egleton, who travelled from Ashburton in New Zealand’s South Island to continue a family tradition stretching back generations.
Vanessa is the daughter of David William Nesham, who became a Freeman 25 years ago. Their family connection is through the Barber Surgeons Guild, a tradition her father has always held close to his heart.
With women now able to become Freemen and a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Newcastle, Vanessa decided to make the journey around the world.
Although she grew up with a picture of Newcastle on the family wall, Vanessa had not previously visited the city. She is now looking forward to exploring it for herself.
A secondary school teacher, Vanessa has lived in various parts of the world and has a particular interest in regenerative agriculture and protecting soil health, interests that connect with the Freemen’s responsibilities for the city’s green spaces.
“I think it’s something that all cities of the world should look to, to improve the health of not just our cities, but the whole planet,” she said.
“This has been a personal highlight for me, and I’m delighted to have taken part in such a wonderful ceremony especially on the day that Nick was sworn in as Chair. Being a Freeman is an honour and I’m very proud.”