Two devoted champions of the borough have received their Alderman badges from the Mayor.
Brian Rigby and Whit Stennett received the accolade from Trafford Mayor Cllr Chris Boyes in the Mayor’s Parlour at Trafford Town Hall.
Between them, the dedicated duo served on Trafford Council for more than 50 years and they have each been awarded the MBE.
The Mayor said:
“I can think of no better accolade to give to these two gentlemen – and of no better people to receive the title of Honorary Alderman.
“Brian and Whit have been incredible servants of their communities over the year. They have done great work on behalf of residents and communities and we all owe them a large amount of gratitude.”
The Mayor, Council Leader Tom Ross and Council Chief Executive Sara Todd were there at the ceremony, along with the recipients and their wives.
Honorary Alderman must have made a significant contribution to the Council and the people they represent, and a meeting last year of the full Council agreed Mr Rigby and Mr Stennett both fitted the bill.
Mr Stennett, who represented Clifford ward for 28 years, arrived in Manchester with just a suitcase and £50 but went on to become the first Black Mayor of Trafford.
His community work has been recognised nationally with lifetime achievements awards, while he has served on a number of internal committees in his time on the Council as well as being appointed to a range of outside bodies such as Trafford Leisure.
In 1998, Mr Stennett received an MBE for his services to the Afro-Caribbean community, in particular his youth and community work.
Mr Rigby, who represented Mersey St Mary and Ashton-Upon-Mersey wards for 27 years, received an MBE in 2006 for services to education.
He was chair of governors at Ashton on Mersey High School for 28 years and in 2005, on his initiative, a partnership was formed with Broadoak School in Partington.
The partnership was so successful that the partnership has expanded and become a multi school academy trust, now known as the Dean Trust.
Beyond Trafford, Mr Rigby also served on Transport for Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority.
Posted on Friday 17th March 2023