FORMER councillor Edgar Harwood was officially made an Honorary Alderman of Droitwich Spa at an extraordinary meeting on Monday.
Edgar, who is the Town Crier, had the title conferred upon him in recognition of his eminent service to Droitwich Spa as a councillor and for his meritorious services to the town in both a civic and non-civic capacity.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Coun Richard Morris proposed the motion and spoke of Edgar’s community accomplishments as a councillor, town crier and member of the Droitwich Rotary Club, Round Table and the Norbury Theatre.
He said: “I remember in 2007 when the town was flooded and a rescue centre was set up at the Droitwich Salvation Army Centre for those stranded on the motorway.
“It was later used for residents of the town and a flood relief fund was set up to help people get clothes, food and have holidays – Edgar suggested the Rotary support the fund.
“By the end more than £6,000 was raised for the fund and, although many people helped, Edgar was instrumental in making this happen.
“Edgar has Droitwich at his heart – in 1980 after a competition at the carnival, he became the Town Crier.
“In 1984 he was British Champion and runner-up in the World Championship in 1986 – really putting Droitwich on the map.”
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
His comments were echoed by former councillor Alan Humphries who proposed the motion to make Edgar an Honorary Alderman three years ago.
He said: “When I think of Edgar, I think about his commitment and service to the community.
“We know about his work for the Rotary and Round Table and so many other projects – he throws himself 100 per cent into everything he does and if I accomplish half as much as he has, I would be honoured to have done so.”
Mayor Coun George Duffy places the Alderman medal onto Edgar. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Coun Alex Sinton told of how Edgar had corrected him on the highest part of Droitwich being Blake Avenue rather than, as many thought, St Augustine’s Church and Dodderhill.
“When he told me, I went up to Blake Avenue and it was only then I realised I was looking down on St Augustine’s and Dodderhill.”
And Val Humphries added: “I could not think of a kinder and more genuine person this title could go to.”
Mr Harwood was presented with a certificate and had a medal pinned onto his lapel as he was officially made one of the few Honorary Aldermen of Droitwich Spa.
