Honorary Aldermen of West Berkshire
Councillors chosen to be Honorary Aldermen
An Alderman is a high-ranking member of Council, chosen by the elected members themselves rather than by popular vote. Councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have the power to create Honorary Aldermen, as a reward for services as a Councillor. The position of Honorary Alderman is non-political.
The title is derived from the Old English title of ealdorman, literally meaning 'elder man'. The conferring of the title 'Honorary Alderman' is the highest award that can be made to a former Councillor in recognition of exceptional service to the council.
The privileges of an Alderman include:
- to attend, as an observer, at meetings of Council or any other meetings to which the press and public are admitted, and to have a seat reserved for this purpose
- to receive invitations to all civic events to which Members of the council are invited
- to wear the Badge of Office of Honorary Alderman on council duties
- to enjoy such other privileges as the council may confer upon them
- to enjoy the courtesy title of 'Honorary Alderman', and to be addressed as such
Honorary Aldermen
Mr Brian Bedwell
Brian Bedwell served on Newbury District Council from 1991 to 1995 and then West Berkshire Council from 1997 to 2015, representing the Theale and Calcot wards. He held the office of Chairman in 2006 to 2007.
Brian Bedwell was made an Honorary Alderman in September 2015.
Mr John Chapman
John Chapman served on Newbury District Council and then West Berkshire Council from 1979 to 2007, representing Purley ward. He held the office of Chairman in 2005 to 2006.
John Chapman was made an Honorary Alderman in December 2012.
Mr Joe Mooney
Joe Mooney served on Newbury District Council and then West Berkshire Council from 1987 to 1995 representing Tilehurst ward, and 1997 to 2015 representing the Birch Copse ward.
He was made an Honorary Alderman in September 2015.
Mr Andrew Rowles
Andrew Rowles served on Newbury District Council and then West Berkshire Council from 1997 to 2015, representing Kintbury ward. He held the office of Chairman in 2007 to 2008.
Andrew Rowles was made an Honorary Alderman in September 2015.
Mr Alan Thorpe
Alan Thorpe served on Newbury District Council and then West Berkshire Council from 1997 to 2015, representing Beech Hill, Grazeley, Stratfield Mortimer, Sulhamstead Bannister, Wokefield and Mortimer wards. He held the office of Chairman in 1994 to 1995.
Alan Thorpe was made an Honorary Alderman in September 2012.
Suspended Honorary Aldermen
Mr Jeff Brooks
Jeff Brooks served on Newbury District Council and West Berkshire Council from 1995 to 2015, representing Shaw-cum-Donnington, Thatcham North and Thatcham West wards.
He was made an Honorary Alderman in September 2015, but this was suspended in April 2018 when he rejoined the council having won the by-election for Thatcham West.
Mr Royce Longton
Royce Longton served on Newbury District Council and then West Berkshire Council from 1995 to 2015, representing Burghfield ward.
He was made an Honorary Alderman in September 2015, but this was suspended in May 2019 when he was re-elected to represent the Burghfield and Mortimer ward.