Honorary Custodian presented with Centenary badge of honour

He was presented with a specially designed Centenary Badge of Honour, presented during an Annual Council meeting on Thursday, 22 May 2025.

Former council leader and two-time Lord Mayor Ross Irving has been formally recognised as the first Honorary Custodian of Stoke-on-Trent.

 

He was presented with a specially designed Centenary Badge of Honour, presented during an Annual Council meeting on Thursday, 22 May 2025.

 

The badge – a collaboration between Duchess China and Skelhorne Jewellers – was designed and crafted locally as part of the city’s Centenary programme, marking 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was granted city status in 1925.

 

Duchess China have been manufacturing handmade ranges of fine bone china in Stoke-on-Trent for over 135 years. Skelhorne Jewellers was founded by former Civic Jeweller Christopher Skelhorne in 1983 and remains a family run local jeweller to this day.

 

The Honorary Custodian forms a key part of Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year. The role includes not only representing the council at civic and ceremonial occasions but also providing a historical perspective during council debates.

 

Honorary Custodian, Councillor Ross Irving, said: “I was completely taken by surprise to presented with the custodian’s medallion at the Annual Council meeting.

 

“Having been created The Honorary Custodian of the Federation of the City of Stoke-on-Trent earlier this year it was a wonderful gesture by the council to make the presentation.

 

“The position of Custodian is now embedded into civic life in our city and, hopefully, other long serving councillors will follow me in holding this prestigious role”.

 

Councillor Irving was first elected to the city council over 50 years ago in 1973, making him the city’s longest-serving councillor.

 

He has held several significant roles, twice serving as Lord Mayor (2017-2018 and 2020-2021) and serving as the Leader of the Council from 2009-2010. 

 

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Councillor Irving is incredibly well respected by elected members of all parties for his knowledge, experience and dedication to the city.

 

“He has given decades of public service to this city, including time as council leader and Lord Mayor. He has always worked with passion, dignity and a clear love for Stoke-on-Trent.”

 

Councillor Daniel Jellyman, leader of the Conservative party on Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Councillor Irving has been a feature of politics in Stoke-on-Trent for over half a century. His longevity of service is unmatched in our history.

 

“As we celebrate 100 years since our city’s formation, it’s only right and proper we celebrate a councillor whose dedication to public service in Stoke-on-Trent is second to none.

 

“A lot has changed in our city over the past half century, but one thing has remained constant, Councillor Irving and his dedication to serving and helping residents, local issues and the city that he loves.”

 

For more information and the full Centenary events calendar go to: sot100.org.uk.