The Chair's Blog for November: Preparing for the future, remembering the past and celebrating the now!
For me, this November has been about preparing for the future and celebrating the now!
And this all started with the children of Newhall Primary School, who joined me for a bulb planting session in the Church Gresley Cemetery. It’s great to remind our children that those beautiful flowers that will pop up in the Springtime, have come from the bulbs they planted! And of course, they do help to make this peaceful place, a bit brighter in visitors’ time of reflection, I was very happy to join in!
One of the events I’ve been most honoured to attend as Chair of South Derbyshire, was this year’s Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day events. These are put together by the Council’s wonderful Events team, in partnership with the local branch of the Royal British Legion. There’s so much poignance at these events, and it’s truly humbling to see how many people, young and old, attend to pay their respects.
In the middle of the month I was invited to two events in one day; both very different, but equally brilliant and important. On Thursday 13 November, I was invited to meet the team at Birds in Swadlincote to celebrate the retirement for a member of their team who is finally retiring after a number of years working in this popular, busy local bakery in the town centre.
That night, I was also invited to the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards 2025, which celebrated all the fantastic local businesses, and the people working in them. This was a true reflection on the people who continue to drive our local economy, creating jobs and opportunities for businesses, big and small across the District.
This was followed by a visit to Stanton Methodist Church, where the Minister and congregation were marking 150 years of worship. What an incredible celebration for the members of this Church. We had a lovely time and were made to feel very welcome.
As the month moved on, things started to become rather festive! Sue and I were invited to join the wonderful team at Swad in Bloom, to take part in one of their popular wreath making events. We had a great time, and learnt a lot. I now have a fantastic wreath on my front door, that I’m proud to say I made – with some great instruction. Thanks again to the team, for a most enjoyable afternoon.
And we finished off the month with the annual Civic Christmas Event at the Council Offices, which take place as part of the Lights Before Christmas event, which if you attended, I’m sure you will agree was again a fantastic display! I was honoured to invited Chris Mason to the stage as our Unsung Hero, to turn on the Christmas lights – what a fantastic contribution he makes to his local community, as do our Runners Up, Neil and Denise. Thanks as ever to Mark who hosted our Lights Switch On and the incredible street entertainers and bands, who made the whole event really special.
December events are already in full swing, and I’ll tell you all about them in January.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2026.
If you would like to invite the Chair along to your local event, please find out how by clicking the link below:
The Chair of the Council - further info and attendance request
15 December 2025