Now all he has to do is find a flock of sheep!
Richard Salkeld is a familiar face to a lot of you having been a reporter for Tyne Tees Television. Nowadays he’s better known for being Head of Communications & Partnerships at Newcastle based train operator Lumo.
He’s also fiercely proud of the North East and will take any opportunity to promote our area.
“To be given the Freedom of the City of London is a moment of real pride, especially as a communicator from the North East of England.
“From reporting in Consett during my years at ITV Tyne Tees to supporting charities and championing communities across the region and beyond, I’ve always believed in the value of meaningful storytelling. This honour reflects the people and organisations I’ve had the privilege to serve, support and champion along the way.”
He joins a prestigious list of people to be given the Freedom of the City of London ranging from royalty, sports stars and politicians to business leaders and Hollywood actors, including King Charles III, Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Sir Lenny Henry, Sir Ian McKellen, The England Lionesses, Sir Chris Hoy, Morecambe and Wise, Damian Lewis and Rachel Riley.
But it’s not only well-known people who receive the Freedom…it is really designed to recognise contributions which have been made by people from all walks of life.
So, what does being given the Freedom of the City of London actually mean?
The honour officially dates to 1237, although it’s thought it goes even further back because it’s mentioned in the Magna Carta.
“One of its more unusual privileges is the symbolic right to drive sheep across London Bridge,” added Richard.
“Recipients are invited to a formal ceremony at Guildhall, which is one of London’s oldest surviving buildings, where they receive a scroll and a partially illuminated document. My ceremony was on November 14th and part of the ceremony means I had to give a formal declaration to both His Majesty the King and the first Lady Mayor of London, Dame Susan Langley. It’s one of the best early birthday and Christmas presents I could have possibly imagined receiving and I’m already appreciating how much it means because I’ve joined a fascinating and important piece of this country’s history.”
This is not the first honour that Richard has received.
During his time working as a journalist at ITV Tyne Tees, he covered many of the major stories which broke across the North East. One of his regular broadcasts was about the many success stories which came out of Consett, decades after the closure of the Steel Works. In November 2008 he was awarded the Hero of Derwentside Medal by Councillor Eric Turner, who was then Chairman of Derwentside District Council. His name was added to the Heroes Roll of Honour.
He’s also a volunteer with several charitable organisations in the region, including the Royal Television Society which works to encourage young people to secure careers in media and the creative industries.
After six years working as a television news journalist, he moved into PR and Communications roles for various train companies on the East Coast Main Line, Great Western Railway and is currently Head of Communications & Partnerships for the popular Newcastle based train operator, Lumo. Richard is also a proactive member of the Durham Business Club.
His work with Lumo has resulted in significant value for a range of North East charities and good causes.
Lumo is currently shortlisted for more than 15 awards for community partnerships, social value initiatives and making a positive difference to the places and people the rail company serves along the East Coast.
Someone who knows Richard well is Raoul Dixon, chief photographer at Newcastle based press agency North News & Pictures. He’s worked alongside Richard for many years. “No-one deserves this accolade more than Richard, said Raoul. “He constantly strives to promote the region he is so passionate about and he is a proud advocate for the North East on the national stage. I’ve worked with him in lots of different capacities and the enthusiasm he has for the numerous projects he’s involved in is infectious. It’s always a joy and privilege to collaborate with him.”
Congratulations Richard…you are a champion of the North East. Good luck with the sheep!