Announcements of the Civic Chair, Councillor David Burton. Rector Stephen Monk of St Helen’s Church Darley Dale has been invited to provide words of reflection.
Minutes:
The Civic-Chair of the Council, Councillor David Burton introduced Rector Stephen Monk, of St Helen’s Church, who provided some words of reflection.
The deputy Civic-Chair of the Council, Councillor Peter Slack, spoke on the events that he had attended throughout the year:
“On Thursday 31st August, I attended a charity reception and dinner held by the Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill, fundraising for ABF, The Soldiers Charity, at the Carriage House Restaurant, Chatsworth.
I was extremely impressed by a former soldier that had lost his
legs in Afghanistan,
He explained that he had been a young soldier and loved serving his
country, having been in hospital a long time where he was fitted
with artificial legs. He did not give up and started a new life,
getting married and having two children and today he works for the
charity all around the country, he is truly a brave man.
On Saturday 30th September, I attended Derby Cathedral
for the appointment of Reverend Canon Nicky Fenton as Archdeacon of
Derbyshire Peak and Dales. Nicky said that she was looking forward
to working within the High Peak and the Derbyshire Dales.
I was once again at Derby Cathedral, on Sunday 8th
October, to attend the Legal Service of the High Sheriff of
Derbyshire, Theresa Peltier. I am pleased to say that Theresa is a
resident of the Wirksworth Ward, and I celebrate the
appointment.
On Thursday 19th October, I was pleased to attend the
771st Ilkeston Chartered Fair, which is one of the
largest street fairs in the country. It was a lovely October
morning, large crowds assembled with many school children, His
Worship the Mayor Cllr Frank Phillips invited children on to the
stage to help ring the celebrated bell which opens the fair. We
were all invited to go to the Dodgems, Big Wheel, and other
fairground attractions and afterwards a lovely buffet lunch was
served, which completed a wonderful morning and early
afternoon.
On Friday 10th November, my daughter and I travelled up to the top of the district to Great Hucklow for a Remembrance Service. Even though it was a cold day there was good turnout, the children had made incredibly beautiful poppies and little teddy bears. As Great Hucklow has no village bells, all the Children had hand bells which they rang in sequence, the memorial for the village is set in the lovely chapel of the Unitarian Church.
On remembrance Sunday, I attended Wirksworth memorial, which forms part of the new market area of Wirksworth. As we stood silently for two minutes, leaves slowly drifted down from the trees, it reminded me so much of the fallen soldiers.
In the afternoon, I attended Matlock remembrance service parading
from the Imperial Rooms to the Parkhead where an exceptionally
large crowd had assembled, and the Council Leader, Cllr Steve
Fitter, gave the British Legion tribute to the fallen.
On Tuesday 5th December, my daughter and I attended the University of Derby for the carol service. I was extremely impressed by the wonderful singing, poetry and dancing of the students and the great multiculturalism of the university. The dancing of two young students was very impressive, keeping absolutely in sequence. There must have been a great amount of practice put into the dance. The event was well attended by many Derbyshire Mayors and Civic Chairs, which all enjoyed it, with mince pies, and mulled wine being served afterwards.
Finally, I attended the Derbyshire County Council Carol Service of Councillor David Taylor, Civic Chairman, at Belper Christ Church. Again, the service was well attended by Mayors and Civic Chairs of Derbyshire and the Lord High Sheriff, coffee and mince pies were served afterwards.”