Sowerby Parish Council Grants Freedom of the Parish to Atlantic Rower Jasmine Harrison
Sowerby Parish Council recognises Jasmine Harrison's remarkable achievement as the youngest solo female to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic.
Published: 12 March 2021
At its meeting on Thursday 11 March Sowerby Parish Councillors voted unanimously to grant the freedom of the parish to Sowerby resident, Jasmine Harrison. Proposing the move Chairman of the Council, Mark Robson, said this was an honour that has not been granted in parish living memory. “I have looked back to around 1865 and it has never happened.
This is to recognise her remarkable achievement as the youngest solo female to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic. She has also raised to date in excess of £19,000 for charity.” The Council plans to hold a celebration at Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall when Jasmine has finished her period of quarantine after her recent return to the UK.
The Council exercised its power under section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 which gives power to admit as an honorary freeman or freewoman someone who is a person of distinction or who has in the opinion of the Council rendered eminent services to that place or area. Although the Council owns green spaces, the honour does not mean that Jasmine will become entitled to graze sheep there! Today the grant confers no special privileges. She will receive a certificate and the Council will work on creating a blue plaque to go with those already in place in Thirsk and Sowerby.