With a combined total of more than 50 years of local politics under their belt, two of the county's former councillors have been awarded the title of 'honorary alderman' of Rutland.

Kenneth Bool and Jeff Dale have been given the title having both retired at the elections in May.

At a special meeting of the council on Wednesday last week held at Oakham Castle, the title was bestowed on both men by current Lib Dem leader of the council, Gale Waller (Lib Dem), who said: "It gives me great pleasure to see the title of Honorary Aldermen conferred upon former councillors Ken Bool and Jeff Dale.

"I first met Ken in 2011 and served beside him as a ward member for Normanton until he stepped down from the council, earlier this year. Even now, in retirement, he is serving as clerk to His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant.

"Jeff's contribution to the council has been equally significant, and his work in the community extends far beyond the council chamber, whether as secretary and chairman of Oakham Rugby Club or fundraising for numerous local schools and charities.

"In conferring the title of Honorary Aldermen, we are recognising everything that Ken and Jeff have given to Rutland and what amounts to decades of public service which has helped countless people."

Jeffrey Dale. Image credit: LDRS.

Among their rights, Honorary Aldermen are allowed to have the ceremonial title and be addressed as such, to remain on the guest list of Rutland's top civic events, and attend some of the area's best known celebrations, commemorations and parades.

Originally elected to represent Uppingham in 2003, Mr Bool (Con) would go on to represent Uppingham and Beaumont Chase and Normanton wards for eight years each, and as a county councillor for 20 years until his retirement in May.

Serving on most committees of the council, he was chairperson of both the corporate and children and young persons scrutiny panels, and a cabinet member from 2011 to 2015; Mr Bool was also vice-chairman of the council from 2009 to 2011, and chairman of the council continuously from 2015 to 2021, thereby serving for the longest continuous period overall.

Kenneth Bool. Image credit: LDRS.

Mr Dale (Ind) was born in Uppingham and attended Oakham School. Originally a chartered surveyor by trade, he set up his own business, Oakham Auction Centre, based in Pillings Road, in 1983, which he continues to run with his wife Margaret.

Representing Belton ward in 1987, and later Oakham North East ward, he was elected to serve on Rutland County Council in 2003 where he remained with continuous public service until he retired in May.

Involved in most committees of the council, Mr Dale served as vice-chairman from 2018 to 2020, and then as chairman of the council from 2021, until his retirement.