Chair's Blog: Celebration, culture and commemoration!

When the summer was over, I thought things might quieten down in the Chair’s diary; but I was wrong, we’ve been busier than ever! My last Blog took us towards the end of September, but I didn’t want to miss out on speaking about the events I attended to close the month.

On 22 September, I had the honour of attending the Rosliston Volunteer Awards, where we celebrated the fantastic work of the many volunteers who ensure that our wonderful Forestry Centre is kept in the best of shape, and use their knowledge and skills to share with others, alongside the Environmental Education Project (EEP). I was so pleased to be able to present some of the awards that day. In fact, I’ve discovered since attending the event, that Tony Slater, one of the volunteer rangers, won the Green Planet award at the South Derbyshire CVS Awards for the thousands of hours of dedication he gives to EEP throughout the year.

Tony has volunteered up at Rosliston for more than five years, and his passion for birds and wildlife shows in everything he does. It was a much-deserved award and I just wanted to offer him my congratulations.

On Friday 25 September, I was delighted to join the team and residents of Seale Pastures House Care home for their Macmillan Coffee Morning. It was a fantastic event, where we were looked after very well, and the home raised a fantastic amount for this worthwhile charity.

I was very proud to host the Chair’s Civic service at Emmanual Church in Swadlincote on Sunday 27 September.

This is a civic tradition for each Chair and takes place at a similar time every year. We had a wonderful afternoon celebrating community, inclusion and service, with support for my chosen charity, Miles for Smiles, performances from the South Derbyshire Music Centre Senior Choir, and a smartly presented Guard of Honour from the Air Training Corps.

Following a short break away, Lenore and I were invited to attend the Japanese School based at the John Port Spencer Academy in Etwall.

Joined by former South Derbyshire District Council Chief Executive, Frank McArdle and his wife, we were looked after very well by our hosts, who introduced us to many aspects of Japanese culture, which was fascinating.

We learnt the proper way to drink our tea in a traditional ceremonial tea service, dressed up in Kimonos, had a calligraphy demonstration, and met many of the students, who told me what a fantastic experience they have at the Japanese School week-in-week-out.

On 11 October we were invited to the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Syed Iftikhar’s (Ifti), service at Derby Cathedral. Very similar to the Chair’s Civic Service, this long-standing tradition happens each year for the current High Sherriff.

Ifti lives in Derby and is well known as a Consultant General/Gastrointestinal/Endoscopic Surgeon based at the Royal Derby Hospital. The week following this service, we were also invited to his Charity fundraising curry night, which was fantastic, and we were honoured to attend.

Another annual tradition for the Chairs and Mayors of Derbyshire is a visit to the Ilkeston Charter Fair. Hundreds of years into its legacy, this fair remains one of the highlights of the Erewash civic calendar, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I even relived my youth and had a go on the bumper cars! 

On 25 October I was invited to open the new Padel courts at Bretby. Based in one of the old British Coal Technical Centre buildings, this new facility will be a fantastic addition to the District, as the popularity of this sport grows.

To close October, we were invited by the Mayor of East Staffordshire, Cllr Monica Holton, to the Mayor’s Gospel Fundraising Concert at Burton Town Hall. It was a fantastic evening of multicultural local and regional choir singers, with all money raised going to the mayor’s chosen charities, the Street Whyze Project, YMCA-Burton, New Era and the Mother Wilkin Centre.

And before we knew it, it was November!

I have to say I was in awe of the people of Swadlincote, who turned out in numbers at Sunday’s Remembrance Day parade and service on Eureka Park. The morning’s event reflects the deep gratitude that is felt across our community to those gave their lives in war and conflicts to secure a peace that we all enjoy.

We will remember them.

We marched with pride behind the 1211 Squadron Air Training Corp Band to the Memorial Gates at Eureka Park, where Reverend Kara gave a thoughtful and inclusive service, and Alyn Thompson MBE delivered the Kohima Epitaph.

Thanks to the Royal British Legion, veterans and serving personnel, Swadlincote 1211 Squadron ATC, Army Cadets, Scouts, and other voluntary services.

Thanks also to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Samantha Niblett MP, the Deputy Crime Commissioner, Dr Justin Ives, District Councillors, the representatives of the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services.

My Consort, Lenore and I closed Remembrance Day at Overseal Village Hall for their annual Service of Remembrance. We were invited by service leader, David Thomas of Churches together in Overseal, to join a community-led event that included contributions from a local singing group, and the Brownies and Rainbows.

For all who joined us, it was an honour to stand with you and represent South Derbyshire District Council as Chair at such poignant commemorations.

12 November 2026