Chair's Blog: July 2026
I’m told that the Summer is always a busy time in the Chair’s calendar, and if July is anything to go by, the rumours are true. So many community organisations come together during the summer to make the most of the time outside with family, friends and visitors to our District.
I started my round of events on Saturday 4 July at the Swadlincote Small Business Showcase. This will be the third year this event has taken place; a showcase of 50+ small local businesses, located on The Delph in Swadlincote. What a way to celebrate the hard work of our small businesses who help to drive the local economy.
And that was just the morning of the 4 July! In the afternoon, Lenore and I visited the Hilton Party on the Park, which was held just off Peacroft Lane. From hook a duck, to fire breathing acrobats, fairground rides, local stallholders, fantastic food and entertainment; there was something for everyone and we had a great time.
On Sunday 5 July we joined the Paws on the Pitch dog show, which was back for its second year by popular local demand. Held by Broken Souls Rescue, the event was co-hosted this year with Swadlincote Community First Responders and all money raised was being shared equally between the two organisations. Humans and dogs alike had a great day out!
In the afternoon, we headed to Crich for the Mercian Regiment Pilgrimage to the Regimental War Memorial. This is a long running and respected tradition in Derbyshire, which is attended by dignitaries from across the County. This sacred event is compounded by the stunning views of Derbyshire you get from the position of the Memorial.
During the following week I was able to join members of our incredible Parks and Street Scene team to celebrate the Council achieving six Green Flag awards (again) for our fantastic local parks. We met in Maurice Lea Memorial Park, on another scorcher of a day, and were treated to a fantastic ‘cry’ from our incomparable Town Crier, Karen Bailey to add some gravitas to the celebrations and reward those who ensure our parks are so beautiful and great places to enjoy.
Have you heard about our Town Crier?
There aren’t many Town Criers left across the country really, it’s a dying art, and we are honoured in South Derbyshire to have Karen in this position, who is (we believe) the only female Town Crier in the country. She writes her own Cries for each event she attends – and Karen doesn’t need a microphone, she has a loud voice and an even louder bell to ring!
Did you know that anyone can book Karen to attend their local event? What a fantastic way to open your celebration, or mark a significant milestone in the community!
You can find out more about Karen and how to request her attendance here: Swadlincote Town Crier | South Derbyshire District Council
Anyway, back to July’s activities!
On Sunday 12 July, we attended the Royal Engineers Memorial Rededication in Melbourne.
This traditional ceremony involved marching behind the band of the Royal Engineers to the new memorial site, where we could listen to speeches and the rededication of the memorial.
We then finished the day’s activities back in Linton at Rickman’s Corner Community Centre, to see the local Art Exhibition. This was another great exhibition of work by local artists - thanks to everyone who displayed their work - we have some very talented people in our local community.
The following week on Sunday 19 July, we were invited to the Rosliston Open Gardens event, raising money for Macmillan cancer Support and Parkinsons UK. The gardens looked stunning and I have to say there was an excellent cream tea on offer, which we both enjoyed!
On Wednesday 22 July, we attended the RAF Air Cadets’ International Air Cadet Exchange programme in Derby. This was a gathering of cadets from the USA, Belgium, France, Sweden and New Zealand - to name a few countries involved. There was a fish and chip van, lots of activities for everyone to take part in, and it was a very special international event.
Anyone that joined us at the Music in the Park event on Wednesday 29 July will know just how fantastic it is every year. We were entertained by the likes of the Amber Band, who kicked off proceedings. A huge Thank You to the Council’s events team for organising a lovely afternoon. Sitting in the shade under the trees by the band stand, listening to good live music, what more could you ask for? And Maurice Lea Park looked beautiful. The flowers are amazing!
Our final event of July was spent at the opening of The Secret Sculpture Garden* in The Gardens at Melbourne Hall on Thursday 30 July.
As part of the celebrations for Melbourne Festival Coming of Age – 2026, a sculpture was commissioned in glass and steel by glass artist, Stevie Davies. This was unveiled as part of the Secret Sculpture Garden. Stevie’s piece ‘Shared Lines’ features three cut steel figures designed by Stevie and made by, local firm, Acres Creative Engineering Solutions; each figure includes a number of glass inserts made during a workshop led by Stevie for local volunteers.
If you’re heading over to Melbourne at any point, it’s well worth making the time to visit the gardens at Melbourne Hall, and get a glimpse of this fantastic new addition.
What a month! I look forward to filling you in on the activities of August very soon, as we continue to be busy spending time out and about in the community.
One final message from me!
In early September I will be taking part in a charity cycle ride across the whole District of South Derbyshire to raise money for a fantastic local charity that has captured my heart, Miles for Smiles.
If you are able to support the charity, and give me an extra boost to complete this challenge, please take a look at my fundraising page. A huge thank you in advance for anyone who is able to support: Alistair Tilley is fundraising for Miles For Smiles
*The commissioned sculpture, secret sculpture garden and community workshops were part of Humanity, Nature & Creativity, the Hall’s current project supported by a National Lottery Project Grant Awarded by Arts Council England and funding from South Derbyshire District Council.
25 August 2026