Bassetlaw District Council has recognised the dedication, service and commitment of one of its former councillors with the title of Honorary Alderman.
The former councillor for the Beckingham Ward, Joan Sanger, MBE received their Alderman status as part of an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on 25th of June, following a proposal by Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of the Council.
Alderman Sanger was first elected as a Labour councillor to the Worksop South Ward in 1996 where she served for four years. She retired in 2000 but was re-elected in 2012 as an independent councillor in the Beckingham Ward, which she continued to represent until she stood down in March this year.
Over these 17 years, Alderman Sanger has played a valuable role on various committees including Licensing and Health and Safety, Overview and Scrutiny, as well as the Internal Drainage Board and the Sir Stuart & Lady Goodwin Charity.
Joan Sanger, MBE said: “I’m extremely honoured and thrilled to be given this honour. I didn’t want to lose touch with everyone and now it won’t happen.
“I can honestly say I have enjoyed every single minute of my 17 years, and I would like to thank both councillors and officers for all the help and consideration given so freely to me over this time, it has been much appreciated.
“I would also like to thank my residents in the Beckingham Ward, who put their trust in me at four elections to allow me to listen, respond and to deliver, and keep my ward on the map.”
As an Alderman, she is now permitted to participate in civic processions; to have a seat at Council meetings; amongst other rights and privileges.
Cllr Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council said: “Joan is a true inspiration to us all through her unquestionable commitment to the community, her tireless dedication and her unwavering support for others.
“As well as her work as a former district and county councillor, Joan has relentlessly supported various charities from a children’s home in Zimbabwe to securing many funds for worthwhile causes in her former Beckingham Ward.
“Her efforts have touched the lives of so many and it is a privilege to bestow this well-deserved honour in recognition of her contribution across the district, and further afield.”
Alderman Sanger spent over a decade as part of the Independent Group.
Cllr Hazel Brand, Leader of the Independent Group said: “It was a great pleasure to second the proposition to bestow the award of Honorary Alderman on Joan Sanger MBE.
“She has been what a true councillor should be – committed to her community and representing constituents needs to the Council. I wish her well in retirement, but I am sure she will still be involved in village activities for some time to come!”
Honorary Alderman do not receive allowances or payments from Bassetlaw District Council.
The title of Honorary Alderman can be bestowed on former Councillors who meet a number of criteria, including;
- By section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, a Council by resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the Members at a meeting of the Council specially convened for the purpose with notice of the object, confer the title Honorary Aldermen on persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Council as past members of that Council, but who are not then Councillors of the Council.
- Candidates should have served a minimum of 4 terms of office as a councillor.
Last Updated on Thursday, July 3, 2025