Agenda item - Appointment of Honorary Alderman

3.1       The Mayor stated that the next item of business was to consider admitting Bernard Jordan as an Honorary Alderman of the Council.   He stated that it was his absolute pleasure to welcome back to the chamber a man known to many of the councillors, a former Royal Navy officer, a former mayor, a former Conservative Leader, a former conservativ and now a former of public opinion.  Inasmuch as his recent exploits had delighted the media, entertained the general public, worried his friends at The Pines and completely bemused his family.

Bernie Jordan was the nearest thing to a living legend that the city had and though he knew Bernie bears this public title lightly, it was one that was well deserved and had been earned over many years.  After the active service that so recently saw him featured in the national press Mr. Bernard Jordan was elected to Hove Borough Council in November 1967 and there he stayed until 1997 when Hove & Brighton merged to form the Unitary Authority.  During that time he was Leader for eight years and the Conservative Mayor of Hove for the civic year 1995 to 1996.

In his time with the Navy Bernie served in the ranks of the Marine Engineering Artificers, more commonly known as “Sparks.”  Perhaps it was his experience with alternative currents or maybe all that time working on stormy seas made an impact, but in 2000 Bernie changed his political views and joined Labour.  It seems typical of Bernie’s character, nature and drive that he took on a new challenge and adopted a different perspective at a stage in his life when many people’s views begin to harden and calcify.

The attributes that made him such a sterling councillor and activist - his energy, spirit, focus, determination and sense of humour remain.  As does his thirst for experience and adventure and his appeal and ability to connect.  The last point strongly evidenced by the fact that on his 90^th birthday and having found international fame by absconding from The Pines to join the Normandy Landing commemorations he found himself the recipient of not just dozens but hundreds of birthday cards from all corners of the globe.  Not that this international attention appears to have gone to his head, still married to the love of his life, Irene, Bernie retains a sage and cool world view albeit one with a twinkle and spry sense of fun.

During his time in active service Bernie served on a destroyer hunting U-boats at one point boarding a crippled submarine to recover one of the Enigma machines that proved so vital in changing the course of the war. An act that contributed to his being awarded the Atlantic Star medal, but an action that remained largely unspoken and unknown to his colleagues and fellow councillors.  It is this mix of self-effacing bravery and humour, wisdom and warmth, experience and perspective that prompted me to nominate Bernie as an Honorary Alderman of the city of Brighton and Hove and I am delighted as the current Mayor to be able to reach across the years and offer my hand on behalf of the council in recognition of your years of service and for the honour he has brought to the city.  I therefore move that Mr. Bernard Jordan be made an Honorary Alderman of the City of Brighton & Hove.

3.2       Councllor J. Kitcat formally seconded the motion on behalf of the Administration and stated that he was very happy to do so and questioned whether having been a former Leader and Mayor was the secret to everlasting youth.  He wished thank Mr. Jordan for his public service and wished him well in any future exploits.

3.3       Councillor G. Theobald stated that he was verypleased to be able to second the motion and that he known Mr.Jordan for a number of years and yet was still surpirised by him.  He hoped that he would be able join his commrades in Normandy again next year and that he was pleased to be given this recogniton by the City Council for his services to his previous authorities.

3.4       Councillor Morgan stated that Mr. Jordan had served his country and his local community for over two decades with quiet dedication and his recent trip to Normandy had seen him taken to the hearts of many people locally, nationally and internationally.  He was very pleased to support the motion.

3.5       Councillor Hawtree stated that Mr. Jordan had brought a new dimension to the phrase ‘Independent Traveller’ and he would be eternally grateful to him for his services to the country and the city.

3.6       Councillor Peltzer Dunn stated that he had had the preasure of joining Hove Borough Council and serving under Mr. Jordan and then to have become leader of the Conservative Group and to find Mr. Jordan choosing to disregard anything he said.  He noted that during his time as a councillor Mr. Jordan had never talked about his navy service which was an indication of the person that he was i.e. a ‘Great Britain’ and this honour was long overdue.

3.7       The Mayor thanked everyone for their comments and put the motion to make Mr. Jordan an Honorary Alderman to the vote which was carried unanimously.

3.8       The Mayor congratulated Mr. Jordan and invited him to come forward to receive a framed certificate and address the council.

3.9       Mr. Jordan thanked everyone for inviting him to attend the special meeting and for their kind words.  He had been privaleged to have served his country and his community and was honoured to receive the recognition of the council and to be made an Honorary Alderman.