Mary Broughton has become a Freeman of Worplesdon. Worplesdon Parish Council presented her on 25 April 2026 with the Freedom of the Parish the highest honour the Parish can bestow.

Mary has given a strong and continuing commitment to Worplesdon by giving a major contribution to Parish life with her time, energy and enthusiasm. This has been through decades of exceptional and sustained service to Sime Gallery CIO, having been the inaugural chair following the creation of the charitable organisation in 2020. The Sime Gallery also celebrated being open for 70 years this year, having opened in 1956. Mary has secured in previous years substantial grant funding from National Lottery Heritage fund as well as leading to celebrate and safeguard this unique collection of art of artist and illustrator Sidney Herbert Sime 1865-1941 a cultural asset in Worplesdon. 

With her unwavering continuing commitment to St Mary’s churches Worplesdon, Worplesdon Tennis club and Worplesdon Memorial hall as well as past village events in a vast variety of ways often volunteering and fund raising throughout her 40 years in Worplesdon. 

A celebration was held at Worplesdon Parish Council offices where chairman Cllr Nigel Mitchell presented her with the Honorary Freedom.  You will see Mary is only the third recipient of the honour.

Clerk of Worplesdon Parish Council Gaynor White and Deputy Victoria Fear prepared a buffet for invited guests, councillors and family members of Mary Broughton. 

Mary encouraged everyone to volunteer in someway and thank all those she has volunteered with past and present and how important volunteering was.