Three councillors who have dedicated more than 55 years of their lives to serving residents at Bucks County Council have been rewarded for their efforts by being appointed honorary aldermen. 

Val Letheren, who represented Terriers and Amersham Hill from 2001 to 2017, Ivinghoe councillor Avril Davies and the longest-serving of the three - having joined the council in 1993 - Margaret Aston, were presented with certificates by Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher on Thursday. 

Val Letheren and Avril Davies collected their certificates from Sir Henry but sadly Margaret Aston was unable to attend due to ill health. Mrs Aston stepped down from her role as Bernwood representative in May this year. 

Both Mrs Letheren and Mrs Davies each served for 16 years. 

In the role of Honorary Alderman the three former councillors will each serve for two council terms as County Council ambassadors, supporting the Chairman and Vice-Chairman in civic duties.

Speaking after the presentation, Bucks County Council chairman, Patricia Birchley said: “Val Letheren, Avril Davies and Margaret Aston have all devoted a large part of their lives to serving the people of Buckinghamshire so it is only fitting that their dedication and commitment is recognised and rewarded in some way.” 

During her time on the council, Mrs Letheren served as a cabinet member in two roles – children’s services from 2004 to 2005 and 2011 to 2013, and the transportation portfolio from 2005 to 2011. Mrs Letheren was also chairman in her final year on the council.

Mrs Davies was leader of the Liberal Democrats from 2013 to 2017 and served on a number of committees. 

Mrs Aston served on the cabinet for children and young people and the community engagement and public health portfolio in her final year in the role.

She was also chairman of the council in 2005/6 and continues her work with the council as a co-optee on the health and adult social care and children’s social care and learning select committees.