Chairman's thanks after year in office

Outgoing Ashfield District Council Chairman, Cllr Dale Grounds, has thanked all those who supported his charitable causes during his year in office.

Cllr Grounds stood down at the authority’s annual general meeting on 31 May, handing over his chains of office to successor Cllr Arnie Hankin.

During his twelve months as Chairman, he attended more than 120 events and raised a total of £4,000 for his two chosen charities – the QMC’s children’s hospital charity Ducklings, and men’s mental health charity Enlighten The Shadows.

Looking back on his year, Cllr Grounds said it had been a privilege to serve Ashfield and represent the district. He said:

“My first event was at the vigil for the victims of the appalling stabbing which saw three people murdered on the streets of the city. It was hugely moving to be there and something I’ll never forget. It was heartbreaking for myself and everyone who was there.”

He has been a supporter of the Ducklings charity for ten years when he began visiting the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham dressed as Spiderman, giving a boost to the young patients. It was something he started to soothe his son Reece who is autistic.

In August, Cllr Grounds arranged for a young boy, Harley, who was born with kidney problems and treated at the QMC, to spend the day with him as ‘vice chairman.’

Harley’s health has improved dramatically since being donated a kidney by his father.

With Cllr Grounds dressed as Spiderman, Harley rode in a council waste lorry before visiting the police and then spending time at Kirkby Leisure Centre.

“It was fabulous seeing Harley so well and the event was a real highlight for me,”

Other highlights were attending a service marking Merchant Navy Day with the Mansfield and Ashfield Branch Merchant Navy along with a visit to Nottingham Forest’s City Ground for the Boots and Beret Awards.

This led to him being able to return a fortnight later for a poignantly personal visit visiting the spot where Cllr Grounds scattered the ashes of his father close to the Trent End.

“It was a very touching moment for me to spend some time with my dad and to show him that I had become Chairman of Ashfield District Council as I was able to wear my chains of office to this very special visit which will always mean so much to me.”

In December Cllr Grounds became a father for the second time with the birth of his daughter Miley Jade. He said:

“In between the night feeds and the cuddles, I hosted the Great Chairman’s Bake Off where Miley came along and stole the show! She even took centre in the nativity for our civic carol service."

A Christmas Toy Appeal he ran was a huge success. Cllr Grounds again donned his Spiderman outfit and headed to Kings Mill Hospital with a selection of toys, dropping them off to poorly children and their families.

On Christmas Day he returned to the hospital again, this time with Ashfield District Council CEO Theresa Hodgkinson, to deliver Christmas cards, carefully crafted by nursey children within the District and residents of Buddleia House.

Cllr Grounds ended his year in office by attending the Royal garden Party at Buckingham Palace, where he met King Charles.

“This was an extra special day for me as it was the anniversary of my dad’s death and it truly felt like I had taken my dad along with me. It was an amazing experience to represent Ashfield, the weather was amazing and there were so many incredible people to speak to.

“The highlight of the day was chatting with the King himself. He noticed my spiderman tie and we chatted about all the charity work I do in children’s hospitals across Nottinghamshire. He then asked if I dressed as spiderman wearing my chains of office and I told him I had and we shared a laugh about it.”

Now his term of office has ended, Cllr Grounds will continue as a councillor for the Kingsway Ward. He has also been made a trustee of the Ducklings charity and will volunteer for Enlighten the Shadows.