Free Woman of Clun Award Presented

It is with pleasure that Clun Town Council with Chapel Lawn announces that it has presented Joan Kerry with the award of Honorary Free Woman of Clun.

At a meeting of the Town Council on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, Cllr Monika Jones, the Town Mayor, said:

Joan has given so much to Clun over many years. Her service was recognised nationally with the British Empire Medal in 2018; but what makes Joan truly special is that she simply carries on – steadily, generously and without fuss.

Since 2006, as Editor of the Clun Chronicle, she has kept our community informed and connected, raising its quality and ensuring it remains something we can all be proud of.

The church has been at the heart of so much of Joan’s work. As churchwarden at St George’s, she has led major fundraising and modernisation, helped establish the church as a thriving venue for concerts, and is currently steering significant long-term projects following the heating failure – including St George's becoming a Carbon Net Zero pilot church within the Diocese of Hereford. Alongside unexpected challenges, like leaks and structural issues, she continues to lead with determination and care, ensuring that the church remains central to community life.

Beyond this, Joan has served the Clun Valley Good Neighbours Scheme since 2011, often as Chair or Secretary, strengthening the organisation and helping secure the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2023. She is also a Trustee of Clun Valley Music, supporting concerts and cultural life in the valley. And in so many quieter ways: supporting families, responding in times of crisis, organising events; she sees what needs doing and simply gets on with it.

Joan, your dedication, leadership and kindness have shaped this community in ways both visible and unseen. Clun is stronger because of you.

It is with genuine warmth and gratitude that I present you with this award as Honorary Free Woman of Clun.

This is the 3rd Freeman of Clun Award, following the earlier recognition of the invaluable contributions made to Clun by Richard Bright and Graham Dudley.