Ever since I was fortunate to become Leader of this magnificent Council I have been banging on and on , boring folk rigid, and making a complete nuisance of myself about how we don’t celebrate or shout loud enough about this wonderful district. The opportunities the Forest offers, the community spirit and the way of life means this is indeed a special place.
Miss Dujardin’s achievements in Tokyo, added to her endeavours in previous games and events, have done more to deliver that message than I ever could and for that I thank her.
Miss Dujardin has shown that no matter who you are, or what you may aspire to be? That what ever sector you may wish and dream to be successful in, be it sport, business, health, or education you need not relocate to another city town or region to become the absolute epitome of success in your particular field.
You can achieve that here, in the Forest of Dean.
This can be your home, the office, the lab, the fields and pastures on which you can excel.
Now I don’t know too much about dressage or equestrianism in general. Indeed, one can only imagine the look of horror that might sweep across the face of any horse being saddled up and that I was about to mount. I suspect it may well escape and gallop at Derby winning speed over the nearest hill or into the nearest thicket, but I like so many others watched the Olympics. I watched Miss Dujardin and I cheered when she won Gold.
And that tells me her achievements are so much more than the actual victories themselves. They are of course incredible sporting achievements, but Miss Dujardin will also inspire young people. She will give people a reason to dream and to aspire.
She has shown that the Forest of Dean and its community members don’t just have to settle for doing well, for being ok or for getting by.
Miss Dujardin has instead shown that the Forest of Dean and its communities can demand complete excellence, demand being the absolute best and allow those communities to dream of success and growth. They can dream of becoming the envy of the world of becoming anything they wish to be. And they will indeed dream.
I am delighted to endorse the Chairman’s proposal that Miss Dujardin is bestowed with the honour of becoming an Honorary Free Woman of the Forest of Dean, the first time such an honour has been bestowed. For her magnificent sporting achievements and for the dream and aspirations she will continue to create in the Forest of Dean.
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