Friday 4th March 2011

It’s been another busy week for the Mayor, beginning with the visit of Camilla to the Royal hospital to officially open the new wards.


The Mayor (left) and Mayoress of Chesterfield have had a busy and enjoyable week - Potato portrait by Beatrice, aged 10

The Mayor reported that the visit was a brief, but good one. The Mayor and Mayoress were part of the official greeting party.

"One of the nicest things to happen on the visit" said the Mayor, "was that an elderly lady patient had heard that Camilla was there and was determined to meet her, standing on two crutches in the corridor, waiting for her to pass. Concerned staff had offered her chairs but she was not to be deterred. She was prepared to sit and wait. As she left Camilla spotted her and, sailing through the press ranks went to speak to her asking how she coped with the crutches - it made her day."

Another successful fundraiser for the Mayoral charity on Monday too, with the Olde House hosting a quiz night which raised £250 from 25 teams taking part and a further £100 on the raffle. "It was" said the Mayor, "a good night."

A highlight of the week had been the unveiling of the Blue Plaque to commemorate the life of Olave Baden Powell, as reported in The Chesterfield Post. The Mayor was keen to praise the County Council, The Borough and the Scouting Association for the work that had gone into the day and bringing it all together. The fact that it was Thinking Day made it all better.

The Mayor was thrilled that the visit had been good and worthwhile, and was particularly proud that the visiting couple spoke very highly of Chesterfield.

Wednesday bought an unusual and homemade gift for the Mayoral couple (pictured above) when they were confronted by potato versions of themselves made by 10-year-old Beatrice who visited the parlour with her family. They now sit proudly on the civic desk.

The Street Pastors launch came in the afternoon - as reported here in the Post, this scheme is new to Chesterfield, though has worked in other towns and cities across the UK. The Mayor reported that he'd been aware of the scheme for a while, and had seen it in action at Derby and was very proud and excited that it had moved along and come to fruition here.

"It was" he said, "a three cornered approach, a partnership between the Council, the Police and the Churches. In the middle sits the Street pastor organisation and that touches on all three, though not taking on any legal, religious or Local Authority role."

An exhibition that the Mayor was keen to promote was the Twisted Spire display at The Tourist Information Centre that runs until the 8th March.

The focal point of the event is a huge matchstick model of the crooked Spire lovingly crafted by Ashley Haslam. "Incredible detail" commented the Mayor.

A display had been mounted by a trainee there, which showed the number of Twisted spires in Europe. Chesterfield's Crooked Spire is a member of the elite group, The Twisted Spire Association.

A highlight of the week was the Royal British Legion Awards, attended by The Chesterfield Post.

Certificates were handed out to everyone who sold poppies during this year's campaign and helped to raise much needed funds for the Legion to enable soldiers and families who need help to get their lives back on track to have access to resources and financial help.

The Mayor found it an emotional night, "No matter how many times you hear the invocation it moves you, whenever and wherever you are."

Events coming up for the Appeal

Monday, 14th March - Fashion Show.
Featuring clothes from Matalan

Friday, 18th March - Bid and Booze Evening.
Come along and bid for items

Friday, 8th April - Gala Dinner.
To be held at CASA Hotel

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