THERE was a special evening on Monday (May 16) when former Wychavon District and Droitwich Town Councillor Michael Barratt was given the prestigious title of Honorary Alderman.
Mr Barratt was nominated for the award by Coun Tom Noyes and It was bestowed upon him during an extraordinary meeting of the town council at Droitwich Community Hall, which was packed with councillors, representatives from other councils, guests and residents.
In his speech, Coun Noyes said there was no one more worthy than Mr Barratt and the presentation of the accolade was the last act of outgoing mayor Coun Graham Beale.
Mr Barratt was born in 1941 and worked as a national accounts manager with United Biscuits and KP Foods Ltd.
He and his wife Linda, who has sadly recently passed away, had three children – Colin, Steve and Julie. He also has three grandchildren.
The award he was given this week was because of the service he has given to Droitwich Spa.
Whilst on the town council, which he was elected to in 1983, he was Mayor an unprecedented five times – in 1985, 1986, 1990, 1999 and 2011.
“This achievement alone marks him as special and worthy of the honour being conferred upon him this evening and I feel it might just be a record that will never be broken,” said Coun Noyes in his speech.
Mr Barratt was elected to Wychavon District Council in 1987 and, apart from a four year break, served on the authority until 2015. He was chairman of the council in 2003 and chairman of the licensing committee for man years.
Coun Noyes said he first met Mr Barratt in 1992, the year his wife Glenise joined the Conservative Party.
“Mike was very helpful towards Glen as she progressed through the organisation and for a number of years when she was chairman he held the position of honorary treasurer.
He was active with the Droitwich Stroke Club, First Droitwich Scout Group, Girl Guides, Trefoil Guild and Coventry Homes and also served 30 years on the bench as a Justice of the Peace.
“Mike has shown an incredible amount of civic pride and has done more than his share of public duty.
“Mike was pleased to serve and now is the time that Droitwich Spa can reward him in this small way,” added Coun Noyes.
