Former Fareham councillors honoured with new roles

Former Fareham borough councillors David Swanbrow, John Bryant, Marian Ellerton, Tim Knight and David Norris were handed the ceremonial title at a council meeting in Fareham Civic Offices in front of friends and family.

Between the five, they served 87 years on the authority and were each approved in the role by the council before signing the roll of honorary aldermen and giving a speech.

Council leader Sean Woodward introduced each new alderman and said Mr Swanbrow was always an ‘extremely active’ councillor.

Mr Swanbrow, who represented the Sarisbury ward for 14 years said: ‘It is a great honour and it was an even greater honour to serve Fareham.

Mr Norris, who represented Portchester East for 22 years also declared it a great honour and that the council 
had become ‘a sanctuary’ for him.

Cllr Trevor Cartwright, deputy leader, said Mr Bryant had done ‘a tremendous job’ in his time on the council in which he represented the Fareham North ward for 17 years.

Mr Bryant said: ‘I must say it was a great surprise to be asked to accept this prestigious honour.’

Mrs Ellerton, who served Park Gate and Portchester West for 17 years said: ‘I really enjoyed being involved in local issues.’

Cllr Cartwright said Mr Knight ‘always tried to be the voice of reason’.

Mr Knight said: ‘This is a tremendous honour and it was totally unexpected,

He represented the Hill Head ward for 17 years.