Rochdale gets its first Honorary Aldermen

Honorary Aldermen: Joyce Beryl Wright & Rodney Hargreaves Stott MBE

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

Rochdale's first ever Honorary Aldermen have been conferred at a Special Meeting of Rochdale Council. Mr Rodney Hargreaves Stott MBE and Mrs Joyce Beryl Wright were awarded the titles in recognition of their having rendered eminent services to the Borough as past Members of the Council.

Councillors from all three political parties paid tribute to the pair’s efforts at a Special Meeting of the Council to confer the honours. After the motions were moved, seconded and supported by a Councillor of each political persuasion, the honours were presented by Mayor, Councillor Peter Evans, after all Councillors present voted unanimously in favour.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Alan Taylor, moved the motion to confer the title of Alderman on Mr Stott MBE, saying: “It gives me very, very great pleasure to move that the title of Honorary Alderman be conferred on Mr Rodney Hargreaves Stott MBE.

“Rodney was born and bred in Rochdale. He was elected to this Council on its formation in 1973 and on his retirement this year, was the only Member elected at the beginning who was still a Member of the Council.

“Rodney was awarded the MBE for services to the community for over 30 years in 2000. I have always counted Rodney as a friend, and I am delighted that he will become the first Honorary Alderman of this Borough.”

Labour leader Councillor Allen Brett and Conservative Councillor Robert Clegg both paid fitting and humorous tributes to Mr Stott before he was conferred the honour of Alderman.

Leader of the Conservatives, Councillor Ashley Dearnley moved to confer the same honour on Joyce Beryl Wright, saying: “Beryl was a Councillor who always put the interests of the Borough before those of her Party. She had no patience with the talking shops of Council meetings, she believed in actions not words, so it is ironic that after 16 years of attending futile Council meetings, we have dragged her back to another one!”

Councillor Irene Davidson said: “Beryl will be missed at the Pennines Township. It is an honour to second this motion and I will say that all new Councillors should talk to Beryl; she has had something to teach us all!”

Councillor Brett said before the honour was unanimously conferred: “My abiding memory of Beryl is that my half a dozen visits to Rochdale baths were with her! I am no swimmer but her enthusiasm for swimming inspired myself and others. I know not having a new pool at Central baths is her one regret and when the new pool does open, Beryl should be the one to open it.”