District’s first ever Aldermen
Two former South Derbyshire District Councillors have been made the District’s first ever Honorary Alderman at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council in Swadlincote Town Hall on Thursday, 23 May.
The meeting of Council voted to confer the awards which acknowledge the many years of outstanding service Kevin Richards and Trevor Southerd gave as councillors.
Kevin Richards was elected as a District Councillor for the Newhall Ward in 1995 and during his time in office he held roles including Leader of the Council and Chair of Newhall Area Committee. He was Chair of the Environmental Services Committee for 20 years. At the ceremony Mr Richards said becoming an Alderman was “a deep honour” and admitted that he does miss the Council.
Trevor Southerd represented the Ward of Church Gresley on the District Council for 28 years, and during his time in office he was the Chair of the Council, Deputy Leader and a member of the Planning Committee for many years. On receiving the honour, Mr Southerd said: he felt “humble and proud in equal measures.” He thanked the people of Church Gresley for voting him in during his term in office and said: “All Councillors should be proud to be part of South Derbyshire.”
At the event, Council Leader Cllr Robert Pearson said that the two had helped mentor him when he was a new Councillor, adding he wouldn’t be in his current position without them. He also acknowledged the critical role the two had played in keeping the Council running during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chair Cllr Sean Bambrick presented Mr Richards and Mr Southerd with framed decorative certificates. They also received lapel medals featuring the shield of the District Council.
Alderman is an old Saxon term meaning literally an ‘older man’ in a leadership role in a local community. It became a more formal role as town and city councils evolved as part of emerging representative local government.
Photo shows (l-r) Kevin Richards, Trevor Southerd and Council Chair Cllr Sean Bambrick.
24 May 2024