Six former councillors were conferred the title of Honorary Alderman on Tuesday
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has conferred the title of Honorary Alderman on six former councillors in recognition of their services.
Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, James Lark, presented certificates to Vivian Branson, Mark Davis, Brian Luker, Ann Kemp, Howard Rogers, and Janet Sergison, at a ceremony at the council offices in Kings Hill on Tuesday night [9 April], while former ward colleagues spoke warmly of their achievements.
Aldermen are able to attend civic events and ceremonies, such as Freeman and Aldermen ceremonies, annual council and other events held by the mayor.
Vivian Branson was elected in 2007 representing Castle, Tonbridge ward before retiring in 2023. She served on several committees and advisory boards during her time as a borough councillor, including Audit Committee, Area 1 Planning Committee, Planning and Transportation Advisory Board, and Customer Service Improvement Advisory Board, and as cabinet member with responsibility for Economic Regeneration.
Mark Davis was elected to represent Cage Green ward in 2007, which he served until 2023. He was chairman of various committees, sub-committees, and advisory boards, including Street Scene and Environment Advisory Board, Audit Committee, Local Environment Management Advisory Board and Vice-Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Brian Luker was elected in 1999 representing West Malling and Leybourne ward, before retiring in 2023. He served on various committees and advisory boards during his time as borough councillor and as cabinet member with responsibility for Communities and Health, Health, and Communities during that time. He was Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling in 2011-12.
Ann Kemp was elected in 1999 representing Downs ward, and later Downs and Mereworth ward, before retiring in 2023. She served on several committees and advisory boards during her time as a borough councillor, including Licensing and Appeals Committee. Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Committee, Area 2 Planning Committee, Audit Committee, and Finance and Property Advisory Board, and was Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling in 2007-8.
Howard Rogers was elected in 2003 representing East Peckham and Golden Green ward, and later Hadlow and East Peckham ward, before retiring in 2023. He served on several committees and advisory boards during his time as a borough councillor and as cabinet member with responsibility for Environmental Services, and Strategic Planning and Infrastructure during that time. He was Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling in 2013-14.
Janet Sergison was elected to represent Hadlow, Mereworth and West Peckham in 2003 and later Hadlow and East Peckham before retiring in 2023. She was chairman of various committees, sub-committees, and advisory boards during her time as a borough councillor, including Joint Standards Committee, Standards and Training Committee, Licensing and Appeals Committee, Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Community Development Advisory Board.
Adrian Stanfield, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Interim Chief Executive, said: “It’s important for the council to recognise the dedication and commitment of those who give so freely of their time and their knowledge and expertise to serve the borough and its residents.
“Conferring the title of Honorary Alderman on these former councillors is a measure of our esteem and appreciation for the many years of service they have given to the council and to the borough.”