First female Chair of Council in over 11 years starts her role

Cllr Angela Archer made her declaration to take the role of Chair of South Derbyshire District Council at the Annual Civic Council.

Taking over from Cllr Sean Bambrick, who held the position for two years, Cllr Archer said: “It is a great honour and privilege to be named as the Chair of South Derbyshire District Council, it’s particularly poignant for me as the first female Chair in 11 years and first female Labour Chair in over 20 years.”

The Chair will be supported throughout the year by her Consort and friend, Sue Taylor. The two will be serving the community as best they can at events across South Derbyshire and beyond.

“I chose Sue as my Consort, as she is a long-standing friend and a well-connected pillar of the community; she is very much looking forward to her role,” said Cllr Archer.

“I hope to use this position as an opportunity to reach out to the local community, businesses, schools and charities, offering my support and a positive link with the Council. I’m really looking forward to the year’s events calendar too, starting with the Festival of Leisure!”

The Chair’s chosen charity for the coming year is the Collective Hub, based on West Street in Swadlincote (in the old cinema building!)

This much needed community charity provides a safe, fun and welcoming space for anyone, from babies to pensioners; whether it be for youth clubs, activities and events, or its Community Café, which is open six days a week and run by volunteers. There is specialist support provided for children and young people with special educational needs, which can be a real lifeline for some children and their families.

Cllr Archer is hoping to raise as much money as she can for the charity over the next year. She commented: “This is such an important place for our local community. I didn’t want to pick a larger charity that already accesses big funding pots, I wanted something very local, that offers an important space for children, young people and their families. This is a place for opportunity, for fun and a place that cares, Mikey who runs Collective Hub is fantastic and really cares about every person that walks through those doors, young or old. He even opens up on Christmas Day, it’s such a fantastic local resource. I hope we can really support them this year!”

Over the past couple of weeks, Cllr Archer has already been out and about with her Consort, Sue Taylor, at the Service of

Celebration and Thanksgiving for the Voluntary and Community Sector, held at Derby Cathedral; they also attended Dance in the Forest at Rosliston Forestry Centre and joined the Cancer Research charity fundraising event in Swadlincote ‘Painting Swadlincote Pink’. Curly Magpie won the Charity competition, and Nationwide was the runner-up with their memory pink tree.

Cllr Archer follows Cllr Sean Bambrick, and his wife, Pat, who have served as Chair and Consort for the past two years.

We asked Cllr Bambrick about his experience as Chair:

What has been your favourite moment over the past two years?

“It’s hard to choose; but probably it would be Pat and I’s visit to meet the Japanese students. Our visit from the Mayor of Toyota, and of course our trip to Toyota city in Japan!”

What has been the funniest moment?

“Pat’s face when I told her I was doing a second year!! The funniest person I met was Razor Ruddock at a charity night, but I’m always laughing no matter where I go.”

What would you say overall about being the Chair?

“It’s been a fantastic experience and a privilege. It’s been hard work, but I’ve really enjoyed it. The people we have met have all been amazing.”

If you had to give the new Chair a word of advice, what would it be? 

“Always get there early! It’s better to sit and wait, than to rush and panic.”

What are you looking forward to after stepping down?

“I’m now looking forward to more time just Pat and myself, by ourselves in the garden and you never know we might get a dog!”

A final message from Sean..

“Thank you to everybody, my fellow Councillors, the officers at South Derbyshire District Council, and everyone that makes everything happen behind the scenes. I send my well wishes to the new incoming Chair.”

And with a Chair, also comes a Vice Chair, to support Cllr Archer along the way. This year, the Vice Chair, nominated and voted for by fellow Councillors, is Cllr Alistair Tilley, and he will be supported by his wife of nearly 40 years, Lenore Tilley. We asked him a few questions too!

How do you feel about being named Vice Chair of South Derbyshire District Council?

“At first a little surprised as I thought the role was more suited to Councillors with a lot more experience than myself. But I am honoured to be nominated and elected by my fellow councillors from all sides of the Chamber.”

What do you hope to get out of the role personally?

“I have lived in the area for nearly 40 years, but in this role I hope to find out more about the District and the people who live and work here, as I attend community events and support the Chair, Cllr Archer.”

What do you think of our outgoing Chair, Cllr Bambrick?

“Cllr Bambrick is an excellent Councillor and has been a hardworking and dedicated Chair, with his own style of sometimes unscripted and humorous speeches.”

What would you say to our new Chair, Cllr Archer? 

“Angela, just be yourself, you will be an excellent Chair, I know you will enjoy the role immensely.”

13 June 2025