The late Haydn Griffiths, MBE, became the first Honorary Freeman of the Parish of Armthorpe on 11th December 2010. He was born and raised in Armthorpe, where he lived his whole life. Haydn sadly passed away, aged 91, on the 24th October 2018.

At a Special Meeting of Armthorpe Parish Council held on 20th July 2010, it unanimously resolved to approve the proposal by the Chairman, Councillor S.A. Pickles, to nominate Mr. Haydn Griffiths, MBE, to the Office of Freeman of the Parish of Armthorpe. This was on the grounds that, in the opinion of the Council, Mr. Griffiths was a person of distinction and one who had rendered eminent services to Armthorpe in particular (and the Borough of Doncaster in general).

The Council resolution included recognition of Mr. Griffiths’ voluntary service for over forty-six years to the Armthorpe Elmfield Junior and Senior Bands, as their Musical Director, with all that this entailed in undertaking rehearsals, compiling musical arrangements, directing at concerts and other public events, etc. It also acknowledged his thirty-nine years long service for teaching music to children in local schools and raising thousands of pounds for the Band, local charities and other worthwhile causes.

On 11th December 2010 with the unanimous approval of the Council, Mr. Haydn Griffiths, MBE, was admitted as the first Honorary Freeman of the Parish of Armthorpe. The Chairman of the meeting, Councillor J.R. Armstrong presented Mr. Griffiths with a formal illuminated scroll that conferred his Award, a hallmarked silver scroll holder and stand, together with a specially manufactured silver tie pin/badge. Mr. Griffiths accepted the Award with grace and gave a speech stating (amongst other things) he was proud to accept it and that he felt it was the ultimate accolade.