Wednesday 1st September 2010

Our Discussion with His Worship the Mayor of Chesterfield this week began on the subject of the Development of Chesterfield. Although the Mayor is impartial and cannot be political regarding these things, His Worship the Mayor, Keith Morgan, says that he's impressed with the way the town has developed, and moved on, particularly in these difficult economic times. The work in particular of the Economic Development Department has been impressive.

Chesterfield Borough Council has kept it's head above water during the economic downturn; in fact the number of shops vacant in the town centre here is significantly lower than the average in the rest of the UK. Chesterfield is doing well. The development of the Market and Yard areas of the town has been particularly pleasing.

The A61 corridor and surrounding area has also seen lots of investment with the CASA hotel bringing prosperity to the town, 500 jobs alone on construction and then a further 150 jobs to be recruited when it's functional, hopefully before the end of the year. The Waterside development and the B2net football stadium which the Mayor says has got off to a flying start has also galvanised the area. It's good news for the town with the companies investing here seeing Chesterfield as a good thriving town. This in turn gives hope for future economic well being.

The Mayoress also pointed out that there's much to be proud of within the environmental side of Chesterfield - the Chesterfield Canal and Poolsbrook Park in particular are fantastic achievements which improve the quality of life for people in the town and provide an opportunity for them to see the local countryside and wildlife at it's best in a natural environment. Queens Park and Linacre Reservoir are two more local facilities which the Mayor and Mayoress take pride in.

Talk moved on to the Mayor’s Appeal which is going well with many events being organised in order to raise cash for the Mayoral Charities, FairPlay and Samaritans. As ever details of how to get involved are available from the Mayor's secretary.

One of the annual duties the Mayor must perform is to preside over the swearing of the ‘Oath of Allegiance‘ by new recruits into the Armed Forces.

The very morning we met, 5 new recruits into the Services had sworn their Oath of Allegiance to the Queen in the Mayoral Parlour. Most were going into different Regiments, 3 into the Lancers, 1 the Tank Regiment and 1 into the Mercian.

All had their own reasons for wanting to 'join up' and all their parents had attended the service and declared themselves proud of their sons. The Mayor wished them well, praising their bravery and commitment. He wishes them all the best for the future.

The Mayors’ Appeal.

Two local charities will benefit from the year.

Fairplay is a registered charity which supports children and young people with sensory, physical, learning and behavioural disabilities by providing youth clubs, befriending , residential breaks and parent support groups. It is currently trying to raise money to develop a one and a half acre site at its new Fairplay Centre in Chesterfield, into an innovative garden for the young people. Designed in collaboration with Sheffield University it will feature a wheelchair carousel, outdoor musical instruments and a tactile wall block amongst many other activities. Its a unique project, the first of its kind in the UK and will set new standards in inclusive design.
 
 
Chesterfield Samaritans. This charity offers 24 hour emotional support to people in our town who are distressed and maybe even suicidal. They currently receive around 26,000 contacts every year and have to raise £25,000 a year to meet their costs.
 
 
The Mayoral Appeal will help both charities meet their needs. There are many charity Appeal Events scheduled for the year ahead (see below ) - more are being added throughout the weeks. For more information or dates please contact the Civic Secretary Vivien Miller
Email - vivien.miller@chesterfield.gov.uk
Tel: 01246 345239
Fax: (01246) 345252
www.chesterfield.gov.uk

You can make a donation in the following ways .
By cheque - Please make payable to "The Mayor's Appeal"
Cash - given in to The Mayor's Office, Rose Hill, Town Hall, Chesterfield.

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