Borough council awards highest honour to prominent civic figure
A rare ceremonial honour has been awarded to a retired Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire for a lifetime of outstanding service to Newcastle-under-Lyme and the wider county.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council last night presented Sir Ian Dudson KCVO CBE with the honorary Freedom of the Borough, at a ceremony held at Castle House, in recognition of the long and steadfast support he has given to civic life, the business community and voluntary sector.
Sir Ian, who was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in the 2025 New Year Honours after concluding a successful 13-year tenure as the monarch’s local representative, has dedicated decades to tireless public service, community engagement and the promotion of Staffordshire’s heritage and values.
In Newcastle-under-Lyme, he has had a strong civic presence over many years, most recently helping to celebrate the borough’s 850th anniversary, unveil the landmark Queen Elizabeth II statue in Queens Gardens and officially open the Belong care village, including the restored Grade II listed Maxims building which now houses a heritage gallery.
Council Leader Simon Tagg, who nominated Sir Ian for the prestigious award, said:
Freedom of the Borough is an honorary title – a symbolic connection with the council and borough – which is granted in exceptional circumstances to recognise outstanding contributions and achievement connected to our loyal and ancient borough.
Sir Ian has given many years of distinguished service to the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme and wider county, not just through his former role as the monarch’s representative in Staffordshire – where he represented the Crown with dignity and dedication – but also as a leader in industry, education and civic life.
From his roots in the Dudson ceramics company to his work with charities and voluntary organisations, we are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment. This is a very fitting tribute: I can’t think of a more deserving recipient.”
A direct descendant of Richard Dudson – founder of the historic Dudson ceramics company – Sir Ian helped the family business to become a globally respected manufacturer of ceramic tableware for the hospitality industry, earning him a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002 for his services to the ceramics sector.
His local connections are strong: he studied Ceramic Technology locally and served as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council at Keele University from 2005 to 2012. Civic roles have also included High Sheriff of Staffordshire and Deputy Lieutenant. Philanthropic efforts include chairing the Dudson Centre, a resource hub for voluntary organisations in Stoke-on-Trent, and serving as Honorary President of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
Sir Ian added:
I am immensely grateful to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council for this rare honour. It has been a huge privilege to have been actively involved in so many engagements in the borough over the last 15 years or so. I have so many happy memories and I feel very humbled by this recognition.”
Freedom of the Borough was last awarded to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, and local historian Jim Worgan, in 2021.