Twelve former councillors have been recognised at a special ceremony at the Guildhall in Bath after devoting more than 200 years of their lives to public service.
Cllr Sarah Moore with former councillors from across the district | Photo © B&NES Council
The former councillors were awarded the title of Honorary Alderman and Alderwoman by the Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Sarah Moore.
The title of Honorary Alderman or Alderwoman is the highest award that can be given to a councillor in recognition of exceptional service to the council and the people it represents.
Those presented with awards were:
- Rob Appleyard – 16 years, Lambridge
- Sarah Bevan – 20 years, Peasedown
- Neil Butters – 16 years, Bathavon South
- Sally Davis – 24 years, Clutton & Farmborough
- Doug Deacon – 16 years, Timsbury
- Michael Evans – 12 years, Midsomer Norton North
- Andrew Furse – 24 years, Kingsmead
- Paul Myers – 12 years, Midsomer Norton Redfield
- Lisa O’Brien – 8 years, Keynsham South
- Vic Pritchard – 27 years, Chew Valley
- Brian Simmons – 16 years, Keynsham North
- Chris Watt – 20 years, Midsomer Norton Redfield
Councillor Moore said: “I was especially delighted to present these awards as one of my first duties as chair because every single Honorary Alderman and Alderwomen deserve recognition for the many years of dedicated service they have given to the people of Bath and North East Somerset.
“Each one of them has made a positive difference to their own wards and the wider district to help improve people’s lives.
“It was wonderful to hear their final speeches, their thanks to officers and their encouragement to new councillors.
“On behalf of the council, I’d like to thank them all and congratulate them.”
