Normality returning slowly ... and I, for one, just can’t wait
Derbyshire Dales MP SARAH DINES pays tribute to a local political giant... and looks forward to Covid-19 becoming less of a major issue in all our lives in the months ahead
THE vital work done by our locally-elected representatives, be they parish, district or county councillors, embodies the community spirit at the heart of Derbyshire Dales.
Last week, Councillor Lewis Rose OBE died and I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to him.
He was the longest-serving councillor on Derbyshire Dales District Council.
Councillor Rose was the last founder member of the authority still serving, an authority created in the early 1970s. He was leader of the Conservative group for 45 years until 2019.
Due to the pandemic, I was unable to get to know Cllr Rose well, but his reputation as a political force, and a kind and decent man is well known.
He was a friend to many, and I know that he will be missed greatly by many colleagues, friends, and constituents in Derbyshire Dales. My thoughts are with all his family and friends at this difficult time.
This week for many children in Derbyshire Dales marks the return to school following the Christmas holidays.
As the mother of four grown-up children, I often think about the worries I would have, that I know many parents have currently, if they were still young enough to be at school during this pandemic.
Unfortunately, despite every effort, children’s education has been disrupted by the pandemic.
We know that the majority of children benefit greatly from being in the classroom. It is right that children have the opportunity to learn in the classroom long-term amongst their friends and face-to-face with their teachers.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank teachers and schools once again for working so hard to ensure that no child was left behind during this pandemic.
Vaccinations remain our best defence against Covid-19 and that is why every child and young person aged 12 and over is eligible to receive the vaccine. It is also vital that all of us – including parents, carers, teachers, early years professionals, eligible students and everyone working in education and childcare – go out as soon as they possibly can to get the booster jab, to protect the NHS, protect our way of life, and protect education and childcare.
We must do all that we can to keep our children’s lives as normal as possible, not only for the sake of their education but also for their mental health, social skills, and the need for community support.
Normality is returning. I welcome the opening of Ashbourne Pavilion on the Park in the coming weeks.
This will be a fantastic facility encouraging healthy living for children and adults in Ashbourne, as well as holding classes for digital learning.
I remember when construction first began back in January 2021, and I am delighted that a year later this facility will be ready for residents and sports clubs to use.
I really do hope that this year sees us putting the pandemic behind us. I cannot wait to visit more schools, clubs, and to have more community engagements.
I am already looking forward to Well Dressings and community events and meeting even more constituents in person this year.
I hope that this year sees us putting the pandemic behind us. I cannot wait to visit more schools, clubs, and other events