Newsroom Archive

At the Council’s annual general meeting, held at The Place in Oakengates on Thursday 19 May, the seven long-serving former councillors were made Aldermen of the borough, the highest honour a council can bestow, marking their years of public service.

The recipients were:

• Keith Austin (34 years as a councillor for Hadley and Leegomery, during which time Keith served as Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader too)
• John Minor (36 years’ service as a councillor for St Georges, John was Chair of Wrekin Council 1998-1999 and received the British Empire Medal for services to the community in 2019)
• Clive Mason (28 years’ service as a councillor in Donnington and former Mayor of Telford and Wrekin Council)
• Louise Lomax (20 years’ service as a councillor for Ironbridge Gorge)
• David Wright (8 years’ service as a councillor for Madeley, David is now Chair of 50+ Telford)
• Barry Tillotson (4 years’ service as a councillor for Park ward, Barry is now Chairman of Admaston House Community Centre)
• Robert Groom (8 years’ service as a councillor for Wrockwardine Wood and Trench, he also served as Mayor of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin 2008-2009)

The honours were presented by Colonel Mark Cuthbert-Brown, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire.

Colonel Cuthbert-Brown said: “This is a very special evening – a privilege in which to take part - as we witness the very first appointments of Honorary Aldermen and the Freedom of the Borough of Telford & Wrekin.

“It is a huge pleasure to represent our Lord-Lieutenant who, like me, congratulates our nominees in recognition of the services and endeavours they have made for the Borough.

“The appointment of Honorary Alderman of the Borough is awarded to past members for eminent services to a Council.  The conferring of this title is the highest award that can be made by the Borough to a former Councillor. The title of Alderman embodies dignity and pride.”

The role of Honorary Aldermen of the borough is non-political and entitles recipients to attend and take part in civil ceremonies, as well as supporting the office of the Mayor at events. They do not have any influence in meetings, nor do they receive any allowance or other payment.

Also at the AGM, Mandi Mulloy, Chief Executive of the YMCA Wellington and District Branch was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin, in recognition of her dedication to improving the lives of others, particularly for young people, across the borough. Despite significant health challenges of her own, Mandi continues to support young people across Telford and Wrekin and the wider county, encouraging them to push themselves, and set and achieve life goals.

Mandi Mulloy said: “I want to say thank you so much for this. Being made a Freeman of the Borough is such an honour. For many years I have enjoyed working, and continue to enjoy working in Telford and Wrekin. Whilst this honour has my name on it, the difference we make is really down to the entire team at YMCA. Therefore, I accept this honour for myself, but also for all of the staff at YMCA Wellington.”

At the same time, local charity Telford Crisis Support Network was awarded the Freedom of the Borough in recognition of its work to support people in crisis around Telford and Wrekin. Since 2013 Telford Crisis Support Network has provided an emergency food bank to support people in need with food, toiletries and other essentials. To support new parents they also operate a Baby and Toddler Bank, providing food, clothing, nappies, bedding, toiletries and other essentials, as well as a Winter Coats and Shoes fund for young people.

Chris Jones, Chair of Telford Crisis Support Network said: “I particularly want to thank Council Leader Shaun Davies, and also the council, the people of Telford and businesses too; they have all been so kind with their support and donations.

“The austerity and pressures that households face mean that we need your help now more than ever. We have more food going out than coming in, so please continue to make your kind donations, that make a real difference to people in need.”

The Freeman and Freedom of the Borough honours were also presented by Colonel Mark Cuthbert-Brown, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire. Colonel Cuthbert-Brown added: “The title of Freeman dates from the Middle Ages when Freemen enjoyed commercial privileges and a route towards power in a town or city.  It is a very rarely used honour and today only awarded to local people who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services.

“I offer my warmest congratulations to our nominees this evening both on their accolades and on all they’ve done for their communities.”