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New Civic Chairman looks forward to busy ambassador role at Derbyshire County Council.

A former soldier and businessman with more than 20 years of experience as a councillor has been appointed as the new Civic Chairman at Derbyshire County Council.

Councillor David Wilson, who is the county councillor for Alfreton and Somercotes, accepted his new position at our AGM on 25 May and was presented with his official chain by outgoing Civic Chairman Councillor Jean Wharmby.

The Civic Chairman’s role is to act as an ambassador for Derbyshire and to be a link between the county council and local community bodies. Councillor Wilson will be supported in his role by new Civic Vice Chairman Councillor David Taylor, and Councillor Trevor Ainsworth remains council Chairman.

Councillor Wilson was re-elected to Derbyshire County Council in May 2021 having previously been a county councillor from 2009 to 2013.

He was a soldier for 25 years, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer class 2, and on returning to Alfreton worked for HM Customs and Excise before running his own business.

Due to his military service Councillor Wilson is an active member of the Royal British Legion, chairing the Alfreton and District branch for many years. He has also been a member of the East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pension Committee for 8 years, helping veterans with often complex pension issues.

Councillor Wilson, who is also councillor for Swanwick on Amber Valley Borough Council, has 2 children, 7 grandchildren and a dog.

He decided to stand to be a councillor when he was challenged to ‘do something about it’ after complaining to friends about services in his area.

He said:

“I’m very much looking forward to being a good ambassador not only for the council but the entire county, and I’ll be calling on my experiences in life and as a councillor to help me in my role as I strive to do my best.

“I was challenged to stand as a councillor all those years ago to make a difference and I’m so glad I did. I think it’s important to be true to what you believe is right and represent and support all the people in your area, not just those that voted for you.”

Councillor Wilson added:

“Being the Civic Chairman is an honour and a privilege and I’m looking forward to throwing myself into the role, especially in this important Platinum Jubilee year.”

One of Councillor Wilson’s first official duties in his new role will be to join Derbyshire Vice Lord Lieutenant Colonel John Wilson OBE DL, the High Sheriff of Derbyshire Michael Copestake and the Bishop of Derby, the Right Reverend Libby Lane at our beacon lighting event to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The beacon will be lit at 9.45pm on Thursday 2 June at Solomon’s Temple, Grin Low, Buxton.

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