Ryedale District Councillors awarded Honorary Alderman titles

Eight Ryedale District Councillors have received recognition for over 155 years of service to Ryedale’s citizens and businesses by being conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman.

The status of Honorary Alderman is awarded to Councillors who have served for at least 15 years and have given eminent service.

Those presented with the honour at an event in the Council Chamber on Wednesday 8 March 2023 were:

• Cllr Paul Andrews
• Cllr Stephen Arnold
• Cllr Lindsay Burr MBE
• Cllr David Cussons MBE
• Cllr Janet Frank
• Cllr Eric Hope
• Cllr Di Keal
• Cllr John Windress

Cllr Paul Andrews was elected to Ryedale District Council on 1 May 2003 and is a member of the Independent Group and represents the Malton ward.

Cllr Stephen Arnold is Leader of the Ryedale First Independents Group and represents the Helmsley ward. He was elected to the District Council on 3 May 2007.

Cllr Lindsay Burr MBE is Leader of the Independent Group and represents the Malton ward. She was elected to Ryedale District Council on 4 May 1995.

Cllr David Cussons MBE is a member of the Independents for Ryedale Group and represents the Kirkbymoorside ward. He was elected to  the District Council on 4 May 1995..

Cllr Janet Frank is Leader of the Independents for Ryedale Group and is the Vice-Chair of Council. She represents the Dales Ward and was elected to Ryedale District Council on 3 May 2007.

Cllr Eric Hope is a member of the Independents for Ryedale Group and represents the Sheriff Hutton ward. He was elected to  Ryedale District Council on 16 August 2007.

Cllr Di Keal is Leader of the Liberal Democrat and Independent Group, Chair of Policy and Resources Committee and Member Champion for Older People/Adult Safeguarding. She represents the Norton West ward and was elected to Ryedale District Council on 1 May 2003.

Cllr John Windress is a member of Ryedale First Independents and represents the Helmsley ward. He was elected to Ryedale District Council on 3 May 2007.

Councillor Clive Wass, Chair of Ryedale District Council said: “We’re delighted to celebrate the hard work and dedication of eight Elected Members by bestowing them with the title of Honorary Alderman. All are very deserving recipients of this special award. It is only right that their combined years of service have been recognised and celebrated. All eight set an example of dedication we should aspire to follow.”

Margaret Wallace, Acting Chief Executive of Ryedale District Council added: “The Elected Members who have become Honorary Aldermen have represented Ryedale citizens and businesses for many years through their hard work, passion and dedication.

“We wish them the very best for their future.”