Mayor’s Christmas Message
At this special time of year, I would like, on behalf of the Members and Officers of Erewash Borough Council, to offer sincere greetings to all our residents.
It is a great privilege to serve as Mayor of our Borough and I feel very proud and honoured to have been chosen for this civic role. Since I became Mayor, I have met hundreds of wonderful people who visit, work or live in Erewash – and I look forward to meeting many more over the coming months until the end of my Civic Year in May 2018.
We have so much to be proud of in our borough and I have been immensely impressed by the wealth of talent within Erewash – talent that is demonstrated in every walk of life from those involved in the theatre, music and arts organisations through to those people who are involved in caring and supporting the less fortunate in our society.
I have seen at first hand the service given to the community by the armies of volunteers who work selflessly all year round to help others. These are wonderful people involved in community groups and charities, too numerous to mention by name but who are well known to so many of us.
There are also the groups within every church in the borough which do so much good in their local communities. Then there are our arts and environmental groups, those who support people with disabilities and all who work in or for our schools. I know you are out there working daily to support and help people in the borough or raising money for charities. It is this collective contribution that makes Erewash such a wonderful community and my heartfelt admiration goes out to you all – I thank every one of you who so selflessly give your time and energy to make life better for others.
We know, of course, that some people will not be with their loved ones this Christmas and to them we send our special good wishes. We particularly think of those serving in the armed forces across the world and their families here at home, especially those who serve with our local Regiment, the Mercians. We remember with particular gratitude those who have given their lives in the service of their Queen and country and the families they have left behind.
Special thanks are due to all those people who will be working over the Christmas period in the emergency services, hospitals, power stations and all other essential services. Your invaluable efforts are much appreciated.
I would like to invite you to join us at the Christmas Carol Service which is being held on Ilkeston Market Place on Christmas Eve from 7pm. It will be a great time to celebrate this time of year and share the spirit of togetherness that this time of year brings.
I will end by wishing you all a Christmas that is safe, warm and comfortable. Please take care if you are travelling. Season’s greetings and a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year to you all.
Councillor Mary Hopkinson
Mayor of Erewash 2017-2018
