Former Mayor and community campaigner receives honorary title for her tremendous efforts

A TITLE fitting of her dedication to the borough has been bestowed on former Mayor, longstanding councillor and community campaigner Irene Chamberlain.
Mrs Chamberlain, who was Mayor of Solihull in 2011/2012, has been recognised for the eminent services she has rendered to the Council, has been awarded the title of Honorary Alderman of the borough.
The conferring of the title Honorary Alderman is the highest award that can be made to a former Councillor in recognition of exceptional service to the Council.
The priviliges she can now enjoy as an Honorary Alderman include:
* To attend as an observer at meetings of the Council or any other meetings to which the press and public are admitted and to have a seat reserved for this purpose
* To receive invitations to all civic events to which Members of the Council are invited
* To walk in civic processions in a position immediately senior to serving Councillors
* To wear the Badge of Office of Honorary Alderman on civic occasions
* On death, to have the Borough flag flown at the Solihull Council House at half-mast
* To enjoy the courtesy title of “Honorary Alderman” and to be addressed as such
Mrs Chamberlain, who retired as a serving Liberal Democrat councillor for the Lyndon Ward in May after more than 20 years of service never even planned a life in politics.
She was an active campaigner for her local community and was a key part of the Wells Green and Lyndon Residents’ Association – and it was her commitment to the community which led to the Lib Dems asking her to represent them in council.
The rest, as they say, is history.
“I never intended on becoming a councillor – I just wanted to represent my community, but it has been a fantastic part of my life – a real privilege and one I wouldn’t change for the world,” she told The Observer.
“I am so very proud to be awarded the title of Honorary Alderman of the borough of Solihull – it means the world to me to be recognised for my involvement in the community for all these years.”
Current Mayor Mike Robinson added: “It gives me great pleasure to award the title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough to Irene, who has given an excellent level of service to the area for many years and is fully deserving of this title.”