The Mayor referred with sadness to the recent death of former Mayoress, Mrs Joan Wain. Members observed a minute’s silence in her honour.

The Mayor referred to the following Mayoral engagements:

·      Meeting virtually with the High Sheriff of Derbyshire to discuss how Chesterfield and other towns and boroughs were coping with the COVID-19 pandemic;

·      The Borough Council’s Remembrance Service, which, despite being scaled back, had been dignified and poignant. She thanked those who had enabled this to take place given the difficult circumstances.   

The Mayor wished everybody a Happy Christmas and New Year, and she thanked Members for wearing festive attire to the Council meeting to raise funds for the Mayor’s Appeal in support ofChesterfield Samaritans and the Volunteer Centre Chesterfield & North East Derbyshire.