Alderman honour for veteran Oswaldtwistle councillor (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Alderman honour for veteran Oswaldtwistle councillor

2:00pm Thursday 17th May 2012 in Hyndburn By Emma Cruces , Reporter

A LONG-serving councillor is to be honoured for his work in the community by being made an Honorary Alderman.

The honour is being given to veteran Oswaldtwistle politician Brian Walmsley, 73.

The former Scots Guardsman lost his seat in the recent elections, concluding 14 years on the council.

The former Conservative councillor also worked with Lancashire Youth Clubs for almost 40 years.

As part of his time spent teaching and encouraging youngsters, he became involved with campaigning for White Ash Playing Fields, campaigning to bring the original portable cabin to the ground.

In more recent years, he fought for new changing facilities on the playing fields, which were then named after the St Andrew’s ward councillor.

The title of ‘Alderman’ is an ancient honour derived from the Old English title of ealdorman, literally meaning ‘elder man’, and was used historically by the chief nobles presiding over shires.

There are 21 living Aldermen, and 12 living Freemen, in Hyndburn.

Hyndburn Council says it hopes Mr Walmsley accepts the title as a ‘thank you’, in recogn-ition of his achievements during his 14 years on the council.

First elected to the council in 1998, Brian has had a special interest in the borough’s planning responsibilities and served as planning committee vice-chairman. He also headed the council’s ‘watchdog’ overview and scrutiny committee for a number of years.

The honour is to be conferred on him at the council’s mayor-making ceremony in June.

He said: “It was a surprise when they told me what was planned, and it’s a real honour.

“It’s been a great time as a councillor, and working with the youth of Oswaldtwistle too. It’s been amazing.

“I’ve always been someone interested in the community.

“I’ve never been what you would call a real politician”

Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “Brian is a tremendoulsy experienced councillor who has done so much for the borough. All the different parties respect him a great deal, not just for the work in his own ward, but for his skill and experience in managing important council committees.”