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Town pays tribute to famous son

20/ 8/2008

MACCLESFIELD’S most successful sporting son, three-time gold Olympian Ben Ainslie, may have one honour yet to come – the freedom of the town.

Britain’s greatest ever Olympic sailor steered his way to a third consecutive gold medal in Beijing on Sunday and there are moves now afoot to grant him Silk Town’s highest civic honour.

Speaking from Cornwall, where the family now live, mum Sue Ainslie, 65, who was born in Adlington, told the Express: "To get the freedom of the town he was born in would be amazing.

"He always enjoyed growing up in Macclesfield but the town was a long way from the sea, so we decided to move away when he was eight. I’m very proud of him because he sailed brilliantly in difficult circumstances and achieved what he set out to do."

Born at Macclesfield Hospital, Ben began making waves as a a budding sailor aged just three, while a pupil at Terra Nova School, near Jodrell Bank.

Between midweek school classes, he spent many weekends sailing in Holyhead, North Wales with his parents Roddy and Sue.

Now his success has prompted some of Silk Town’s leading councillors to call for the 31-year-old to be honoured with the freedom of Macclesfield.

Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, leader of the Cheshire East is backing the cause.

He said: "There’s a natural sense of pride for the town in that Ben is one of our own. How many Macclesfield people have ever won gold? I think he should certainly be considered to be honoured.

"Anyone who wins a gold medal has to be very dedicated and extremely hard working."

Mayor of Macclesfield, Councillor Thelma Jackson, agreed Ben should be considered for the honour after watching the 6ft sailor ride the Chinese waves.

"It’s a huge achievement and it should be considered by council,"she said.

"I don’t know how he does it, I get sea sick just watching it, he’s done a great job."

Colin Barrie, chairman of Redesmere Sailing Club said: "He should be honoured, it’s fantastic that he managed to secure a third Olympic gold medal. I don’t know how long he can continue to win gold medals but every time he does it, he raises sailing’s profile in Macclesfield which is amazing."

Ben’s dad, Roddy Ainslie, 67, added: "He did us proud and deserves it. If Ben was to be given the freedom of Macclesfield, I’m sure he would be over the moon."

The 31-year-old faced long delays, blustery conditions and stiff competition – but overcame all to win the Finn medal race in Qingdao, China, on Sunday (August 17) collecting his fourth Olympic medal.

Nigel Johnson, headmaster at Terra Nova School, said: "It’s 23 years since Ben left Terra Nova, but he is still remembered with great affection. He was an intelligent, happy and uncomplicated young boy and those who remember say he was a joy to have in the school. He is clearly an unparalleled talent and the greatest sporting sailor Great Britain has ever produced."

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