Honorary Alderman Merleta Bryan

I was born in the parish of St Thomas, Jamaica, in 1951. In December 1962, I moved to Nottingham at the age of eleven to reunite with my parents. My father was employed as a labourer at British Gypsum, while my mother spent most of her career working in catering.

On leaving school I embarked on a life in manufacturing, making everything from women’s clothes for Marks & Spencer’s, to children’s typewriters at Petite Toys. I also gained a diploma in hairdressing from a local beauty school and studied women’s fashion at Clarendon College.

In 1986 I gained employment at British Bakeries and soon joined the Baker’s Food & Allied Workers Union. (BF&AWU) and discovered a passion for fighting for fairness in the workplace. I progressed from shop steward to District Branch Chair, as well as, being the union’s representive on the East Midlands Labour Party Committee, also a deligate on National Policy Forum.

I also served as executive council member on the union’s management board for over 7 years.

In 2001, I was elected, full-time district secretary for Notts & East Midlands Region, working for the Bakers Union, a position I held until my retirement 9 yrs later.

In 2007, I was elected as the city councillor for the Arboretum ward, building upon my previous experience as a trade union officer. Since becoming a Councillor, I have served as vice-chair, and chair of my ward committee, vice chair of the Young Nottingham Committee and vice chair of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee. I was a Board member for Nottingham City Homes, Nottingham City Transport, First Enterprise, Nottingham Racecourse, the adoption panel, and Kemet FM community radio.

In 2020, I became portfolio assistant to the portfolio holder of education, in which I visited school on a regular basis, this I really loved as it gave me an insight into modern day schooling.

I am currently the regional coordinator for the East Midlands Diaspora (JDUK), as an organisation we help Jamaicans in this country and

abroad with any issues we can. I served as the patron for OSCAR Sickle Cells, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by a rare blood disorder. The organisation has since ceased operations, following integration into the NHS.

I was elected Sheriff of Nottingham for 2012/2013 and Lord Mayor 2013/2014. Then to my delight, I was re-elected to represent my city again as the Sheriff of Nottingham 2021/2022.

In 2023, I stood down from public duties as the local City Councillor for Hyson Green and Arboretum ward. I enjoyed representing the people of the ward spanning 16 years of service.

On Monday, 13th of November 2023, I attended an event at the Nottingham Council House where I received the title of Honorary Alderman in Nottingham.

On January 11th , 2026, I was awarded an MBE as a recipient in the King’s Birthday Honours List. For the Black Achievers Award and Community work.

I am set to be installed as the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire on April 9th 2026.