Mayor 2018/2019
The Mayor for 2018/2019 Municipal Year is Councillor Mary Kerry, if you would like Mary to attend any events please get in touch.
Christmas Elf Competition
The Town Council have run a “Christmas Elf Competition” in conjunction with their lights switch on, for children to spot 14 Elves in businesses windows around the town.
The competition Winners have now been drawn and will be contacted directly, well done to everyone that took part!
Best Dressed Window
The Town Council have run a competition in conjunction with their lights switch on, for local businesses to take part in a best dressed window challenge.
Many of the shops in Alfreton chose to take part and it was a very difficult decision for the judge to make.
Wendy Comins of South Normanton Area Food Bank, the Town Mayors chosen charity, has kindly chosen the winner after visiting each shop one afternoon. ‘It was not an easy job because each one was beautifully decorated,… many in a style in keeping with the shop itself. I chose ‘Pierce of Art’ on Central Road. The display reminded me of an old fashioned Christmas with stockings hanging on the fireplace, a blazing fire and presents around the tree’
Well done to the staff at Pierce of Art; Lesley, Elizabeth, Jess, Lucy and Abbey, they will be presented with their prize by the Town Mayor, Councillor Mary Kerry next week.
If you’re a budding artist or love creative activities, head down to Firs House, Alfreton between 4-6pm! They’ll be lots going on and it’s a great chance to meet new friends and learn new skills.
Amber Valley Borough Council is set to launch a new Members’ Community Grants Scheme, designed to provide a funding boost to the people and groups making a difference in their neighbourhoods.
Starting next month, each borough councillor will be able to award up to £500 per year in small grants, helping to fund one-off purchases, events or activities that benefit local residents.
Individual grants of up to £100 will be available, giving councillors the opportunity to directly support worthwhile initiatives in their wards.
The scheme is all about offering quick, targeted support where it’s needed most.
Whether it’s helping a volunteer group buy equipment, funding a small community event, or supporting a project that brings people together, these grants aim to create a positive local impact without the need for large-scale funding applications.
The Members’ Community Grants Scheme will run from April 2025 until March 2027, covering the next two financial years.
Councillor Chris Emmas-Williams, Leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, said: “This scheme is a fantastic way for our councillors to connect with their communities and help get small but meaningful projects off the ground. Often, it’s these modest amounts of funding that can make the biggest difference. I’m really looking forward to seeing the ideas that come forward and working with our members to support them.”
To be eligible, grants must support a project or activity that benefits the local community and takes place within Amber Valley.
Funding should be spent within three months of being received, unless agreed otherwise, and applicants are encouraged to use local suppliers wherever possible.
Full details about the scheme are due to be finalised at the next cabinet meeting on 2 April 2025, after which community groups or individuals with a great idea or specific need will be encouraged to contact their local borough councillor for information on how to make an application.
Residents can find their local borough councillor on the council’s website at https://www.ambervalley.gov.uk/councillors