Luther Blissett DL officially becomes Freeman of the Borough of Watford

The Mayor Peter Taylor shaking hands with Luther Blissett

Former Watford FC and England striker and local hero Luther Blissett DL (Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Hertfordshire) officially became a Freeman of the Borough on Monday 18 October...

He joined Watford FC’s life president Sir Elton John and the Club’s greatest ever Manager the late Graham Taylor OBE in receiving the award, along with current recipients Norman and Mavis Tyrwhitt.

For over 40 years, Luther has been strongly involved with the community, championing many projects across the town and tirelessly giving his time and support to local people. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, he has organised and been involved with a multitude of fundraising events such as the Mayor’s virtual Big Bold Community Quiz for the Covid Appeal, which has raised nearly £200,000.

Many local charities and families have benefitted from his name and his time, as he worked to rally fans and obtain donations to organise food deliveries, baby products and provide care packs for NHS and Peace Hospice staff. On top of this, his personal time was spent making thousands of phone calls and visits to football fans in need of a kind word or deed.

Luther is also playing a leading role in helping to establish Watford as a Dementia Friendly Town and a place where cognitive challenges do not limit access to an inclusive lifestyle, by helping to establish the Town’s Forget Me Not Restaurant programme and other activities for people with dementia.

He has long worked hard to ensure that elderly fans are not forgotten and that now includes ex-Hornets through the creation of the ‘Former Players Club’, which brings players together to support local people and educate and inspire through the legacy of conduct left by Graham Taylor OBE. Luther provides the link between Watford “on the pitch” and Watford “the people”.

For Luther, the word “inclusive” is all important and it applies to everyone in Watford, on and off the pitch, whether it is fans of football or those simply living in the town. He is recognised worldwide as an iconic speaker on overcoming racism and discrimination of all kinds, helping to inspire generations. As Watford FC’s first international cap, he proudly wore the Three Lions and in 1982 became the first black man to score a goal wearing an England shirt.

Luther with Freemans of the Borough - Norman Tyrwhitt and Mavis Tyrwhitt

The prestigious Freeman ceremony took place alongside Watford Borough Council’s full council meeting, with guests attending from all sectors of the local community who wanted to show their appreciation.

The award was granted by Elected Mayor Peter Taylor and was confirmed unanimously by all councillors in recognition of Luther's outstanding career, conduct and community work, as well as honouring his worldwide role in the fight against discrimination of any kind.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “If anyone deserves to have the honour of Freedom of the Borough, it is Luther Blissett. Over many years Luther has been involved in countless community events and projects. He is a Watford legend both on and off the pitch.

“Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic he has worked with me to raise funds for local charities, he’s co-hosted the Big Bold Community Quiz and taken part in raffles, auctions and a host of other activities all aimed at supporting the Watford community.

“He has also worked with a number of other local charities including supporting Veterans in Watford and Hertfordshire, raising awareness about Prostate Cancer and done so much to help make Watford a more dementia-friendly place. This is very well deserved recognition for his years of service."

Luther Blissett at Freeman Ceremony with Councillors

Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Hertfordshire, Luther Blissett said: “I am overwhelmed to be given this honour from Watford Borough Council.  From the age of 17, I played for Watford FC, I was their first full England cap and won a golden boot for Europe. But what made that time even more special was our town and the wonderful golden-hearted people in it. My football family right here in Watford.

“I was taught by the boss, Graham Taylor OBE, that the debt you owe people for supporting you as a footballer cannot be measured. He brought us up to understand that everything we did was for the local community, from when we stepped over that white line to enjoy the privilege of playing a match - to the way we conducted ourselves. 

“So to receive this honour as he did, to follow in the footsteps of that great man and manager who did so much for our town and our football club is simply a dream come true. I hope I can continue to “make my mark” for you all to the gold standard Graham set.”

Receiving Freeman status is the greatest honour which the council can bestow upon an individual or corporate entity.

Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Hertfordshire, Luther Blissett and Mayor Peter Taylor at Dementia Friendly Watford project 'Golden Memories'

Published: 18th October 2021

Feedback button