Civic Service Celebrates Community Spirit and Cllr Angela Archer
The annual South Derbyshire Civic Service took place at Emmanuel Church in Swadlincote on Sunday (5 October 2025), bringing together community leaders, local organisations, and residents in a heartfelt celebration of civic pride and service, held in honour of Councillor Angela Archer, Chair of South Derbyshire District Council.
Reverend Dr Mike Firbank led the service with warmth, guiding a programme of thoughtful readings and poetry delivered by Cllr Angela Archer, Mrs T Tilley, and James Cowley that reflected the values of community and service. Guests were also treated to great performances from the South Derbyshire Music Centre Youth Choir, whose uplifting songs captured the spirit of unity and pride. And of course, the Air Cadets from 1211 Swadlincote Squadron ATC provided a proud guard of honour.
Despite Storm Amy causing disruption - and the last-minute closure of the church due to an unsafe roof - our events team rose to the challenge, swiftly transforming the neighbouring community room to fit the event. Their efforts ensured that the Civic Service remained a memorable and uplifting occasion for all who attended.
To capture the spirit of the day, a short highlights video has been created, featuring the South Derbyshire Music Centre Youth Choir’s moving rendition of “From Now On” from The Greatest Showman. You can view it here
The event was honoured by the presence of a distinguished Civic Party, including:
- Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire
- Sir Richard FitzHerbert Bt, High Sheriff of Derbyshire
- Cllr Alistair Tilley, Vice-Chair of South Derbyshire District Council, and Mrs Lenore Tilley, Consort to the Vice-Chair
- Mrs Sue Taylor, Consort to the Chair of South Derbyshire District Council
- Robert Pearson, Council Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, and Mrs Violet Pearson
- Cllr N Tilley, Deputy Leader of South Derbyshire District Council
- Cllr Paul Lees, Chair of North West Leicestershire District Council
- Cllr Steve Marshall-Clarke, Mayor of Amber Valley
- Cllr Harry Atkinson, Mayor of Erewash
- Cllr Nick Adams, Chair of Derbyshire County Council, and Consort to the Chair of Derbyshire County Council
- Cllr Kim Smith BEM, Mayor of East Staffordshire, and Mr Ewart James, Consort to the Mayor
Their attendance and support, alongside our SDDC Councillors, helped make the service a truly special celebration of shared values, friendship, and civic pride across our neighbouring districts and counties.
As part of her term as Chair of South Derbyshire District Council, Cllr Angela Archer has chosen to support two inspiring local charities - Derbyshire Mind and The Collective Hub.
Derbyshire Mind is an independent mental health charity within the national Mind network, dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing for people across Derby and Derbyshire. The charity offers a range of community mental health and wellbeing services to support local people experiencing mental health problems, as well as the wider population.
The Collective Hub, a registered non-profit Community Interest Company based in Swadlincote, is dedicated to creating safe and inclusive spaces for individuals of all ages and abilities. From youth clubs and support groups to adult social gatherings and peer sessions, the Hub provides opportunities for connection, creativity, and inclusion - - including specialist SEN support to ensure everyone feels welcomed and valued.
If you wish to make a contribution to the Chair’s chosen charities online, you can do this here.
9 October 2025