Express & Star

Memorial to honour former Dudley mayors

A special memorial has been unveiled to recognise the work of all the past mayors of the Dudley borough.

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Alderman Melvyn Mottram and the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Anne Millward with the memorial

Councillor Anne Millward, the current mayor of Dudley, and Alderman Melvyn Mottram unveiled the commemorative stone – which features the names of mayors throughout the years who have died.

The stone has been paid for with charitable donations from elected members at Dudley Council and now stands in the Mayoral Memorial Courtyard at the rear of Dudley Council House in Priory Road.

Councillor Millward said: "Being mayor is a hugely privileged position and provides so many opportunities to meet some incredible people working in thriving communities.

"I hope this tribute goes some way towards highlighting that work and gives staff and elected members somewhere to reflect on how fortunate we all are to live and work here."

The names of all 26 mayors of Dudley who have died are on the stone, which has been produced by DNG Memorials, dating back to when Dudley officially became a borough in 1974.

The courtyard also features a bench with a dedication to all former councillors and officers of the council who have served the borough with distinction.

Alderman Melvyn Mottram, former councillor and mayor of the borough, came up with the idea and has worked tirelessly to raise funds for the memorial over the past two years.

He added: "We have had some outstanding mayors who have dedicated their lives to public service, but sadly some are no longer with us.

"The work they did and the people they were should be remembered by everyone and this commemorative stone does exactly that."