Leader’s Christmas message for South Derbyshire
Key achievements such as the unveiling of the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Garden, the launch of the Swadlincote Heritage Trail and award winning innovative projects are just some of the highlights from a memorable year in South Derbyshire.
Cllr Martyn Ford, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, has been taking a look back at 2018 and what lies ahead in a soon to be thriving 2019.
From awards, unveilings to family friendly events, it’s been truly a remarkable year.
The Swadlincote Heritage Trail, consisting of 25 plaques, three lecterns and an interactive map on the South Derbyshire District Council website, celebrated South Derbyshire’s rich heritage, pioneering industries and inspirational people throughout the summer.
It included shining the spotlight on the likes of courageous 1918 Victoria Cross recipient World War One soldier William Beesley, Hannah Mitchell, who campaigned for the rights of the working class and women, boxing hero Jack Bodell, who became a Light-Heavyweight champion in 1961 and Swadlincote's very own John Avery who, in 1974, worked with stars such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland & Bing Crosby during his time as general manager of The London Palladium.
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of twinning with Toyota City in Japan was a major milestone this year. To mark the event, a delegation from Toyota City spent four days in Derbyshire to discuss ways of working together with a focus on promoting the county as a destination for Japanese tourists.
Earlier this year, a ground-breaking ceremony saw the first spade hit in the ground at the new Council housing development in South Derbyshire, Lullington Road, Overseal. Six two-bedroom properties are due to be completed in spring 2019 and adds to the total of 45 Council homes being built in locations across the District.
Adding to its award-winning success, the South Derbyshire District Council was up against 500 global nominations for its efforts to combat food waste across the District. The Fab Food project, run by the Council and funded by Sainsbury’s, helped schools to reduce food waste by up to 37 per cent and was recognised with a bronze Green World Environment Award.
Cllr Ford said:
“With 2019 just around the corner, we can all look back at 2018 with pride and satisfaction at what has been achieved in South Derbyshire.
“We have built many new homes, more importantly new council homes in the district for our residents where we will continue with this very important programme. We have a very low level of unemployment which means that we have a strong, tight-knit, vibrant economy. We also have very low crime levels in our district; we strive to make our district even safer by continuing to work with our partners and will continue to do so in 2019 and beyond.
“Community events such as the Festival of Leisure, Proms in the Park and the Swadlincote Christmas Lights Switch On, have again attracted thousands of people into the District
“It would be remiss of me not to mention the very sad loss of Cllr Bob Wheeler, a much loved and respected Leader, family man and friend to many in our Council, District and the wider community.
“I’m delighted to say that South Derbyshire District Council is supported by dedicated partners in the community as well as our own committed Elected Members and staff. We look forward to more memorable and worthwhile initiatives in 2019 and beyond.
“We wish all our residents a very Happy Christmas with a peaceful, prosperous New Year. Please stay safe and think of others who will spend time away from home during the festive period keeping us all safe, secure and free from hunger.”
19 December 2018