A FORMER Crediton Councillor has been made an Honorary Alderman by not one but two different councils.

Last year former long-serving Liberal Democrat Devon County Councillor for Crediton Rural division, Councillor Nick Way, was made an Honorary Alderman by Devon County Council.

Last month Cllr Way was among five long-serving former Mid Devon District Councillors who were recognised with Honorary Alderman titles by Mid Devon District Council.

The former councillors celebrated their status as an Honorary Alderman of the district of Mid Devon during a ceremony held at the Phoenix House Chambers in Tiverton on December 5.

Former councillors Frank Rosamond, Peter Hare-Scott (also from Crediton), Nick Way and Brenda Hull were presented with their scrolls, to recognise the special honour, by Chairman of Mid Devon District Council, Councillor Ray Radford.

Unable to attend the ceremony but also made an Honorary Alderman during an earlier presentation was former councillor Eileen Andrews.

It was approved last May that the five would be recognised for their long-service with such awards.

Bestowing the honour Councillor Ray Radford, Chairman of Mid Devon District Council, said: "Thank you all for attending, it is always nice to see familiar faces again.

"It gives me great pleasure to thank Frank Rosamond, Peter Hare-Scott, Nick Way, Brenda Hull and Eileen Andrews for their dedication and hard work to Mid Devon District Council and to present these scrolls to them.

"There have only been 28 councillors to have received the title of Honorary Alderman since 1974!"

Combined, the former councillors served on Mid Devon for a total of 87 years, with vice-chairman Ron Dolley saying earlier in the year they had been “exemplary in their duty to the public”.

NICK WAY

Nick Way was first elected in 1995 and has been an avid campaigner for Crediton and residents.  Apart from a short break in career Nick has lived in Mid Devon for almost 50 years, living in Thorverton and Bradninch before moving to Crediton 30 years ago.

Accepting the honour of Honorary Alderman, Nick said: "Looking back on my time on the Council there was really nothing better than being able to represent people and it’s a great honour to do that and I feel very humbled to have been able to do that for as long as I did.

"I really want to say a big thank you to the current councillors for bestowing this honour on me and it's a very great honour to be an Honorary Alderman."

Mr Way served on Mid Devon District Council for 24 years until 2019.

PETER HARE-SCOTT

Conservative Peter Hare-Scott was elected to Mid Devon District Council in 2007 and served for 12 years to 2019. Peter became Leader of the Council in May 2008, returning to portfolio holder finance after six years as leader. Peter was also a district councillor in the Newbrooke ward, where he supported his parishioners.

Accepting the honour of Honorary Alderman, Peter said: "I really enjoyed going to the outside meetings and found that it is important that you get out and about and learn from others.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank members for nominating me as an Honorary Alderman and to wish Mid Devon all the greatest success for the future. Thank you."

FRANK ROSAMOND

Frank Rosamond moved to Tiverton in 1972 and was elected as councillor in 1999 where he served for 20 years to 2019. Frank was Chairman of the Council from May 2009 to May 2011 and Vice Chairman of the Council from May 2007 to May 2009.

Accepting the honour of Honorary Alderman, Frank said: "I recall my very first introduction to the Council in 1999 with Alderman Charles Noon who inducted us on being a councillor and urged us to ‘look after your parishes’.  A message which stayed with me throughout my local government career - Wise Advice.

"To serve for 20 years was due in large part to the efforts of council officers and staff who appear to have kept me on the straight and narrow and were always there when needed.

"I must also express my gratitude for the support of the members who are gracious enough to endorse my nomination as an Alderman of Mid Devon District Council. I feel a sense of pride and humility in accepting the title of Honorary Alderman. My thanks to you all."

BRENDA HULL

Brenda Hull joined Mid Devon District Council in 2003 as a councillor for Cranmore ward. Brenda continued to serve the Council until 2019 where she became Chairman of the Council between 2011 and 2013.

Brenda also proved herself to be an excellent Chairman of the Economy PDG (Policy Development Group) where she put our local businesses and our town centres at the heart of everything she did.

Accepting the honour of Honorary Alderman, Brenda said: "During my time on the Council what I really enjoyed was visiting the parish councils and I am pleased to have been able to visit 60 out of 62 of them.

"I did enjoy my time on the Council and I wish everybody that's serving now the best of luck and keep going in these difficult times. Thank you all very much it's a real honour to be an Honorary Alderman."

EILEEN ANDREWS

Eileen Andrews was an Independent councillor on both Cullompton Town Council and Mid Devon District Council for several decades and was one of the founder members of the Cullompton Community Association (CCA).

Residents of Cullompton have always been able to rely on Eileen to fight their cause and she has worked tirelessly to get the best for them, and the town.

Cllr Ray Radford, Chair of Mid Devon District Council visited Mrs Andrews to present her with her scroll after becoming an Honorary Alderman.

The position of Honorary Alderman is open to any person who, in the eyes of the council, has given eminent service to the area in a public position.

IMPORTANT LOCAL ISSUES

Talking about his 16 years as the Devon County Councillor for Crediton, Cllr Nick Way said that he was asked what he thought were the important local issues affecting his area during his time as a councillor?

Cllr Way said that it was not an easy question to answer because "there are many to mention".

He continued: "As a councillor, the important thing is to keep battling away at the various authorities, not always succeeding, but continually attempting to get the best possible outcomes for the area.

"For me, my involvement in convincing the County Council to provide the Link Road into Lords Meadow at a cost of over £8 million and improvements to the Tarka rail line services were two major achievements.

"Although other battles, such as successfully fighting off South West Water's attempt to close the A377 at Exeter Road for repairs thus effectively cutting off our town and the surrounding villages’ main road link for almost two months, also come to mind.

"As a County Councillor I was privileged to provide funding for many local organisations and charities through the Community Fund. Our current representatives will be facing many other challenges and I wish them every success in their efforts."

The position of Honorary Alderman is a ceremonial honour that does not entitle holders to special privileges but means they can attend civic functions and council meetings, although aldermen cannot vote.