Celebrating a well-deserved honour for three people close to our Foundation
We are delighted to celebrate Chris Harris DL and Colin and Gillian Greenwood, who have been awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Calderdale.
This is the highest civic honour Calderdale can bestow, given only on rare occasions to people who have made an exceptional contribution to life in the borough. It is a fitting recognition of three people whose commitment to Calderdale has made a lasting difference.
We are especially proud to be connected with all three. Chris Harris, our Founding Director, and Foundation donors Colin and Gillian Greenwood have generously given their time and money establishing philanthropic funds with us, funds that have benefitted and will continue to benefit people in Todmorden and across Calderdale.
At the ceremony in Halifax Town Hall on 5 March, Chris received her award in person. Our CEO, Steve Duncan DL, and our Chair, Nigel Cliffe, were pleased to attend the event and celebrate this special moment. Colin and Gillian were unable to be there because of travel disruption affecting their journey home, and they will receive their scroll at Halifax Town Hall Mayor’s Parlour on 20th April 2026.
Chris was described at the ceremony as a “tireless advocate” for her town and borough. Born and raised in what she proudly calls “Magic Halifax”, she has devoted much of her life to championing Calderdale’s history, heritage and people. Her work has included serving as the Founding Director of the Community Foundation for Calderdale from 1991, helping to create the Future Heroes project, and playing a leading role in celebrating Halifax’s heritage. Speaking at the ceremony, Chris described the Community Foundation for Calderdale as a “golden thread” woven through Calderdale, reflecting the deep value of the borough’s voluntary and community sector.
Steve Duncan said, “We feel very lucky to know and work with people who care so deeply about Calderdale. This honour is richly deserved, and we are thrilled to celebrate it with them.”
