Covingham Parish Logo

Derek has been a member of Covingham Parish Council since 1988, a total of 33 years to date, which demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the Parish of Covingham and its residents. 

The Parish Councillors were keen to mark this achievement and decided that a fitting acknowledgment was to award him the Honorary Freedom of the Parish of Covingham, as a token of the high esteem in which he is held by his colleagues and the many residents that he has helped over the years. Whilst this is to recognise his service to the Parish of Covingham, it seems only right that we also noted his achievements in the wider community. 

Derek was elected as a Borough Councillor in 1992 becoming the Deputy Leader of the Council in 1994, a position he held until 2002. Notable achievements during this time are the creation of Stanton Park, Shaw Community Forest, Shop Mobility and he held the role of Vice Chairman of the Police Authority for 8 years.

He became Mayor in 2003-2004, when he undertook 684 engagements and was the runner up in The Mayor of England competition. Other organisations that have benefitted from his experience are Age Concern where he was Chairman, a role he also held for Health Watch; he was a committee member of the Bobby Van Trust and Dial a Ride.  He is also a qualified assessor of people at risk for Diabetes UK. Val Curtis, said she was both honoured and humbled to be able to present the Freedom scroll to Derek at the Parish Council Meeting held on 17th May.

Date: 26th June 2021