FORMER city councillors have been awarded the title of Honorary Aldermen of the City of Worcester in recognition of their outstanding contribution to public service.
Clifford Lord, Derek Prodger, Jeff Carpenter and Robert Rowden were given the title last Wednesday (November 23) and were presented with honorary certificates and badges at a special ceremony held at the Guildhall.
Their names have also been added to the Roll of Honorary Aldermen.
As Honorary Aldermen, they will be able to attend civic ceremonial events, host civic receptions and support the work of the Mayor’s charities.
Clifford Lord first moved to the Faithful City at the age of six. He went to school in the city and went on to have a long career in industry.
He was first elected to the City Council in 1950, representing the St. Martin Ward until 1955.
After taking a break from the City Council for almost 30 years, he returned to the Guildhall 1984 where he went on represent the former Holy Trinity Ward for 12 years. He also served as Mayor for a year in 1987.
Also made an Alderman was Derek Prodger who was born and raised in Worcester. He was first elected to the City Council in 1982 where he represented Bedwardine for an unbroken spell of 34 years, before standing down in May this year.
During his time at the City Council he served as Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee and was Cabinet Member for Clean, Green and Safe. He also served as Mayor between 1998 and 1999. The former city councillor was awarded an MBE in 2000 for his work on the South West Midlands War Pensions Committee.
Jeff Carpenter, who has lived in the city most of his life, joined the council in 1973 and served for 27 years, representing the St Martin Ward, until standing down in 2000. Jeff was Mayor of Worcester from 1984 to 1985.
Robert Rowden stood down from the City Council in May this year after 25 years’ service representing Battenhall- having first been elected in 1991.
In 2000 he became the first Conservative to become Leader of the City Council for two decades, and carried out the role for two years before becoming Mayor in 2002.
