Alderman Dermot

4.47.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th Sep 2009

Dermot getting his scroll of office from the Chairman of Council

Yesterday Oxfordshire County Council decided to appoint Honorary Aldermen for the first time, and former Councillor, Dermot Roaf, was one of the three selected.

The post of Honorary Alderman is to confer recognition on former Councillors who have, over a period of time, made a significant contribution to the Council in particular and public service in general. Aldermen are not paid and have no right to attend meetings, except as ordinary members of the public. They will, however, assist the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Council in civic ceremonies and in hosting groups of visitors to the County Council.

Dermot served as a County Councillor for 28 years, finally retiring in June this year. Over that time, he served on most committees of the Council, and in latter years has also done sterling work at the Local Government Association. He was Liberal Democrat Group Leader twice, and also Deputy Leader of the Council from 2004/5. In that time he has served on practically every committee of the Council, as well as national bodies such as the Local Government Association. He has been a school governor and is a member of many Oxford organisations, such as the Oxford Preservation Trust.