HARD-working former councillors have been honoured at a ceremonial afternoon tea in Taunton.

Cllr Mike Best, chair of Somerset Council, presented the Aldermen with certificates and medals for their years of service.

The Alderman title is the highest award that can be made to a former councillor.

Cllr Best said: "The combined years of service by our Aldermen is truly remarkable, as are the people who accepted the honour when it was bestowed by their respective councils.

"Those councils may now be in the past but their achievements are very much still with us and provided the foundation for Somerset Council.

"I am delighted to be able to meet these remarkable people, pay tribute to them for their service and bring them all together into the Somerset Council organisation."

Those who received the awards included:

  • Somerset County Council – John Edney who was a county councillor for Cannington 2001 – 2017 and served as chair of council and chair of the standards committee. John Edney was honoured with the title of Honorary Alderman in February 2018.
  • West Somerset Council – Tim Taylor who was leader of the council for five years from 2010 – 2015 and was made an Honorary Alderman in September 2016 at a joint ceremony.
  • Eddie May who represented the Williton Ward for 24 years and was chair of council for three years between 2008 – 2011. Eddie May was made an Honorary Alderman in September 2016 at a joint ceremony.
  • Tony Knight who represented the Watchet Ward for 12 years and was chair of planning committee for seven years. Tony Knight was made an Honorary Alderman in September 2016 at a joint ceremony.
  • South Somerset District Council – Pat Martin was a district councillor for Yeovil Ward in 2003 and was vice-chair of Area South Committee for four years. Pat also acted as mayor of Yeovil from 1995-1997, amongst other achievements. Pat Martin was honoured with the title of Honorary Alderman in September 2011.
  • Patrick Palmer represented Martock Ward as a Parish Councillor in 1967. He became an independent councillor for Yeovil District Council in 1974. Patrick Palmer was also chair of Area North Committee 2003 – 2013 and was honoured with the title of Honorary Alderman in May 2018.
  • Ruth Kendall was elected as a district councillor for the Yeovil Preston Ward in 1987, serving for 24 years and was an active member of many committees, including; Health, Leisure & Arts, Personnel sub-Committee, to name just a few of her achievements. Ruth was honoured with the title of Honorary Alderman in September 2011.

Ruth was unable to attend the event.