A civic leader gave emotional thanks to her husband as she passed over the ceremonial chains of office.

Councillor David Wilson was appointed Derbyshire County Council’s Civic Chairman at the annual meeting last Wednesday (25 May), taking over from Councillor Jean Wharmby.

Coun Wharmby said it had been a ‘pleasure’ to be civic chairman, admitting that the year had ‘started out slowly’, but gained momentum as Covid restrictions were lifted.

She commented: “I’d like to thank my husband George, who’s been my consort.”

Coun Wharmby held back tears as she said her husband had suffered a stroke in September and thanked those who had helped him.

A former soldier and member for Alfreton and Somercotes, Coun Wilson will be supported in his new role by civic vice chairman Councillor David Taylor, as Councillor Trevor Ainsworth remains council chairman.

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.”

Coun 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 his 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 the council’s beacon lighting event to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The beacon will be lit at 9.45pm on Thursday, June 2, at Solomon’s Temple, Grin Low, Buxton.

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