Newcastle Freemen appoint new chair

A historic Newcastle organisation has appointed a new chair as it looks to strengthen community engagement and build on its responsibilities for the city’s green spaces.

The Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne has named Nick Atkinson as successor to David Wilson, following a planned leadership transition.

Nick, who lives in the Tyne Valley, has served on the organisation’s stewards’ committee for 13 years, including six as vice-chair.

He will focus on encouraging greater participation among younger generations, strengthening partnerships and overseeing the organisation's environmental and land management responsibilities.

These include protecting Newcastle Town Moor, supporting biodiversity and managing land, properties and leases.

Nick said:“I'm hugely proud, privileged, and it’s a massive responsibility, but one that I’m really looking forward to doing.

“We are volunteers at the end of the day and sometimes people seem to forget that.

“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, adding: “If I can be half the chairman that he’s been, then we’re in a good place.

“From my perspective, his mentorship has been invaluable. 

“He’s been mentoring me for this role for many years now.

“You cut David through the middle, and it says Freeman of Newcastle. 

“He’s massively passionate and is a true diplomat for the North.”

David, who remains involved with the organisation, steps down following a period of work to strengthen its leadership structure.

David added: “I'm absolutely not stepping away from anything. 

“I’m stepping into a new position, where we’ll be working together as a team.”

The transition coincides with the admission of eight new Freemen, including Vanessa Egleton, who travelled from New Zealand to continue a family tradition.

Vanessa, a secondary school teacher from Ashburton, is the daughter of David William Nesham, who became a Freeman 25 years ago through the Barber Surgeons Guild.

Her admission reflects the organisation’s evolving membership as it seeks to preserve its heritage while encouraging wider involvement.

She added: “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.

“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.”

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