Former Dorset councillors honoured

Four former Dorset councillors were recognised last week (5 December) at a special council meeting and awarded the title of Honorary Alderman for their distinguished service to the people of Dorset.

Being made an Honorary Alderman is the highest recognition of excellent service that the council can give its former councillors.

The Alderman title was given to all four nominated candidates:

• Tony Alford

Deputy Leader West Dorset District Council 2007 - 2015 and Leader of West Dorset District Council 2015 – 2019.

He was also a Dorset Council councillor until 2024 and served as a Cabinet Member.

Tony, as an accountant, played a huge part in decisions which achieved millions of pounds of savings. He has spent his entire time in various Dorset authorities seeking to improve services for residents as well as improve efficiencies and achieve better value for money for residents.

• Pauline Batstone

Pauline was first elected to East Dorset district council in 1983, where she served as Chairman from 1993 to 1995.  Pauline has also been a member of Sturminster Newton Town Council, North Dorset District Council, Dorset County Council and finally Dorset Council where she was Chairman from 2019 to 2020.  She remains a town councillor with Sturminster Newton Town Council.

Pauline's work as a district, county and town councillor has been noted for helping people and families address issues with social services benefits, planning and housing.

• Mary Penfold

Mary’s service to the community over many decades includes a long period as the District Council Member for Frome Valley Ward and as Chairman of the former West Dorset District Council for 9 years before stepping down in 2007. Mary Penfold was also a Dorset County Council councillor.

In addition to her work as a councillor, Mary has been very involved in supporting young people in the community.   

• Molly Rennie

Molly was first elected to Dorchester Town Council in 1986, a council which she has served continuously on to date. She has been the Mayor of Dorchester twice and has been a strong advocate for her community. She was later elected to West Dorset District Council and served until 2019 after which she became a member of Dorset Council until she stepped down at the elections in 2024. 

Over the years, Molly has championed the local community and is highly regarded for her work on domestic abuse.

Each candidate required no less than two thirds of councillors to vote in favour for the title to be bestowed.  

The titles are honorary and generally carry no privileges, other than a badge of office and certificate.

Councillors gave a huge round of applause as Mary Penfold, Molly Rennie and Pauline Batstone received their badges and certificates. Anthony Alford joined the meeting remotely online.

Paying tribute, Chair of Dorset Council, Cllr Stella Jones said: “The title of Honorary Alderman is given to recognise the eminent service of former councillors who are no longer elected members of the council. To be awarded the title is a mark of the distinction with which these former councillors have served the council, and the whole community of Dorset.

“We thank them for their long and distinguished service, and I am very pleased this honour has been bestowed on them.”