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We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Ashwells Timber founder and Managing Director Janine Davies-Tutt has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London, ahead of her application to The Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames.  

The ceremony took place at the historic Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall on 31st August. It was attended by Ashwells Operations & Marketing Director Deb-Davies-Tutt, Janine’s son Ed, her cousin Gillian, and her late father’s dear friend Bob Crouch. Bob was formerly Queen Elizabeth II’s Royal Barge Master, and was instrumental in Janine’s application and subsequent Freedom of the City acceptance. Janine is now waiting to be invited to Dinner at the Hall so she can be presented to the Guild as a new member. 

Being conferred with Freedom of the City brings with it some interesting and unusual rights. Janine is now able to herd sheep and cattle over London Bridge, and can carry a sword in public! Furthermore, Janine has now joined an illustrious and diverse collection of people who have also received the Freedom of the City of London, including author Rudyard Kipling, former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli – and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.