At a special ceremony in the Milton Keynes Council chamber, Dr Marshall – the mastermind behind one of the icons of rock music – received the Freedom of the Borough from the Mayor of Milton Keynes Cllr Jan Lloyd. She described him as a “unique and special citizen of Milton Keynes”
Councillors across all parties added their praise, many of whom had had personal interests in the music industry.
Celebrity guests including members of the Grand Order of Water Rats headed by their King Rat, actor Graham Cole added their praise for Dr Marshall’s efforts over the years. World-famous guitarist Bert Weedon, close friend and fellow Water Rat, described him “a dear, dear man who has done so much for charity.”
Dr Marshall said that to receive the Freedom of the Borough was a great honour.
His award is only the third time the Freedom of the Borough has been awarded by the council. The first went to Lord Campbell of Eskin, who chaired the Milton Keynes Development Corporation in 1982; the second went to the former Royal Greenjackets regiment – now known as The Rifles – in 1998.
Dr Marshall is pictured with fellow Water Rats who joined him for the ceremony.
