Minutes:
The Mayor referred with sadness to the recent death of Mrs Lorna Burrows, the wife of Alderman John Burrows. Members observed a minute’s silence in her honour.
The Mayor thanked members for their support at the reception that followed the December Council meeting, where £228 was raised for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.
The Mayor referred to recent events which he and the Mayoress had attended including:
· Carol services around the Borough.
· Christmas festivities at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital, alongside staff and patients.
· The Chesterfield Community Roast, where they had taken part in karaoke and bingo and enjoyed a meal with the volunteers who cook once a month for the people of Whittington Moor.
The Mayor and Mayoress had spent time at Ashgate Hospice, talking to staff and volunteers about their upcoming refurbishment plans. The plans would result in a significant increase in beds allowing the Hospice to care for more patients.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the Mayor and Mayoress had visited local business, Auto Windscreens, who had a long-standing commitment to providing apprenticeships to young people in Chesterfield. The Mayor met with this year’s intake and was pleased to hear how ambitious the apprentices were to pursue careers here in Chesterfield.
Finally, the Mayor invited Members to join him and the Mayoress at the Gala Dinner they would be hosting at the SMH Group Stadium on 15 March, 2024. An evening of food and entertainment would be on offer, all in aid of raising funds for the Mayor’s two chosen charities, Chesterfield Royal Charity and Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust.