Published: Monday, 2nd November 2026
Four former councillors of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk were appointed as Honorary Aldermen at a special meeting of the council on Thursday (29 October).
The council conferred the title in recognition of the service of retired Councillors Carol Bower, Colin Manning, Lesley Bambridge and Lord Greville Howard.
At the meeting, the Council Leader, Cllr Alistair Beales, presented the nominees. He spoke of the importance of the role of Honorary Alderman to the borough, and recognised the individual contributions of the individuals being appointed. He said:
“Public service as an elected member of this council that culminates in the conferring of Honorary Alderman status is by definition somewhat historic.
“The Mayoralty personifies our long and glittering history and embodies all that is good about our borough: the power to convene, the power to moderate, but most importantly, the power to engage, enthral, and represent all in our community.
“And I've seen that first hand many times. No one cares if the Leader turns up. No one cares if the Chief Executive turns up. Everyone notices if the Mayor turns up. To do that, the Mayor needs support, hence the office of Honorary Alderman.
“A full civic session with the Mayor, Sword Bearers, Mace Bearers, and Alderman in attendance is a wonderful sight to behold and something that our community is rightly proud of.”
On the individuals being appointed, he noted that:
Lord Howard had served as Cabinet Member for Special Projects and that his legacy included the King John statue in New Conduit Street and the support he had given in raising key local issues with the Government.
Lesley Bambridge had served the council in many ways, including as Vice Chair of the Environment and Community Panel, and as Mayor. Cllr Beales also referenced her hard work, force of personality, and constant engagement and representation with her community.
Carol Bower had also been Mayor, as well as serving as Vice Chair of the Planning Committee and the Environment and Community Panel, and Cllr Beales spoke of her kindness, and her calm and measured advice.
Colin Manning, said Cllr Beales, was one of the hardest-working councillors he had ever met, serving in many roles including Vice Chair of the former Resources and Performance Panel, and Vice Chair of Licensing – as well, again, as Mayor.
Cllr Beales concluded by saying:
“The role of Alderman is not something that just requires a tick in the box. It's not something that you just qualify for and is awarded.
“It takes outstanding service over many years and I'm delighted to present these outstanding former Councillors to be appointed as Honorary Aldermen.”
The practice of appointing aldermen dates back more than 500 years since King’s Lynn was given the right by Henry VIII in a 1525 charter.