Leslie Freeman
Originally a solicitor, Councillor Leslie Freeman OBE CC moved to Ruislip with his family in 1947 and dedicated the rest of his life to representing the people of Ruislip in local government.
In 1940, he joined the RAF to help in the war effort, and fate meant he was eventually stationed in Eastcote, which is why his family moved to the area. His first home was in Marlborough Avenue, Ruislip, (1945 to 1946) and eventually he and his family settled down in Northwood by 1947.
Councillor Freeman won the 1948 elections and entered the legal office. Within a short period of time, the appreciation of his hard work and diligence as a councillor meant from 1953 to 1964 Councillor Freeman was the Chairman of the Ruislip-Northwood Urban District Council (UDC) for more than a decade.
Not only was Councillor Freeman part of the committee that built the crematorium in Ruislip, he also dedicated his years as councillor to raise money for 10 special houses, which were equipped for disabled veterans in Park Avenue and are still in existence today.
In the 60 years of its existence, the UDC was served by 32 chairmen. The very last meeting of the Ruislip-Northwood UDC under its chairman, Councillor Leslie Freeman OBE CC, took place on Monday 29 March 1965 before it was finally incorporated into the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Nonetheless, Councillor Freeman continued to work hard for his community and became the chairman of the Greater London Council from 1969 to 1970. He was a well-respected and admirable figure in Hillingdon - so much so that his legacy continues on till the present day.