Lewisham Council awards Honorary Aldermanic titles
An honorary Alderman or Alderwoman is a title available to any person who, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent, exceptional, and distinguished services to their council and community, above such duties as are expected of a councillor, as past members of that council.
The Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen conferred by Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres, have given over eighty years of service to the borough - and that’s just as councillors! They have also dedicated so much of their lives to supporting our communities here in Lewisham.
Dr Mee Ling Ng OBE
Dr Mee Ling Ng OBE was elected as a councillor in 1986, representing Evelyn ward in the constituency of Lewisham Deptford for four terms. During this time, she chaired a number of committees. Some notable achievements include leading the development of the first carers’ policy, founding the first borough-wide Refugee Forum and co-leading the Council’s community work on Anti-Apartheid. Since leaving the Council in 2002, she continues to dedicate herself to public service, and continues to sit on many Boards.
Jim Mallory
Jim Mallory was elected a Lewisham councillor in 1986, and has served for 28 years, representing Grinling Gibbon ward in the constituency of Lewisham Deptford for 16 years, and then Lee Green ward in the constituency of Lewisham East for 12 years. From 1995 to 1998 he was Leader of the Council. As an innovative and effective leader, he oversaw and led on diverse work, including introducing wheelie bins to the borough, guiding local schools through extensive policy and funding changes, and creating Local Assemblies. Jim continues to serve local communities in Lewisham through various roles as chair and trustee.
Obajimi Adefiranye
Obajimi Adefiranye – also known as Jimi - served as a Lewisham Councillor, representing Brockley ward in the constituency of Lewisham Deptford for 28 years – including seven years as our Civic Mayor. Jimi was the first African to be elected to the Council in 1990. A stalwart of the community, he took part in the Battle of Lewisham against the National Front, and as Civic Mayor he welcomed Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip to the Borough as part of Outreach Africa. He participated in various Community Organisations, such as the Lewisham Race Equality Council with his legacy felt to this day, as he initiated the annual Black History Month celebration in Lewisham.
Stella Jeffrey
Stella Jeffrey was a Councillor for Lewisham Central for eight years, during which she served as Chief Whip. She led work with the Healthier Communities Select Committee, but also contributed to the Corporate Parenting Group, the Virtual School Governing Body, and the Positive Ageing Council. She visited Lewisham’s twinned towns of Anthony, in France, and Charlottenburg, in Germany, where her speeches promoted friendship. Stella has continued to dedicate herself to public service and exemplifies our values of inclusion as a Borough of Sanctuary, assisting asylum seekers and refugees facing hardship, working with Lewisham Churches for Asylum Seekers, which she chaired for 13 years.
