NINETEEN long-serving councillors have been honoured as part of Vale Royal’s lasting legacy.
The title of honorary aldermen was officially bestowed on borough stalwarts including Frank Dolphin, Val Godfrey, Arthur Neil and Arthur Wood last Thursday in recognition of their service to the borough.
It is the first time in the history of the now defunct Vale Royal Borough Council that the honours have been handed out ‘in recognition of the eminent services rendered’.
Mayor Cllr Malcolm Gaskill said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to pay tribute to our new honorary aldermen. It’s so important to recognise their commitment and contribution to civic life and the many things they have done to support their local communities.”
Fourteen current councillors, all with more than 17 years service, have been honoured, as well as five former councillors who served more than 20 years on the council.
Vale Royal chief executive Anne Bingham-Holmes said: “The borough council has not previously given honorary alderman awards but, with the end of the council, it seemed a most fitting time to pay such tributes.
“The decision to make these awards forms part of the Vale Royal legacy project, which recognises the excellent services, outstanding facilities and support the council has delivered to its communities.”
The full list of honorary aldermen is: Marie Birkenhead (Forest, Con); Pam Booher (Winsford Gravel, Lab); Brian Clarke (Winsford Gravel, Lab); Frank Dolphin (Weaverham, Independent); Venca Frame (Barnton, Lab); Val Godfrey (Cuddington and Oakmere, Lib); Steve Gough (Northwich Witton, Lab); Nick Harris (Winsford Dene, Lab); Tony Lawrenson (Rudheath and South Witton, Lab); Keith Musgrave (Hartford and Whitegate, Con); Arthur Neil (Northwich Castle, Labour); Mark Stocks (Shakerley, Con); Arthur Wood (Davenham and Moulton, Lib); Ron Woodier (Northwich Witton, Lab); former councillors Bernard Burton, Arnie Ford (posthumous award), Bob Mather, Dr Janet Mather and Roy Okell.
