Frank’s long service comes to an end

FRANK McArdle, the chief executive of South Derbyshire District Council, has retired after nearly half a century of service.

Mr McArdle spent his last day at the helm of the council on March 31, drawing to a close 47 years of service there – of which 23 were as chief executive officer He started his time with the council as a chief legal officer in 1975 before moving onto head of legal services in 1989 and then head of legal and administration in 1997

Finally, after a short interim period, he was appointed by the council as its permanent chief executive in April 2000

Frank made known his intention to retire back in September last year, with many paying tributes to his dedication in serving the district Not only was Frank the council’s chief, in recent years he was a gold command member in the regional resilience forum which was pivotal in guiding the district through the challenges of Covid-19

Frank’s other interests outside local government include his membership of the Football Association, and chairmanship of the Derbyshire County Football Association He was a former director of the National Football Association at St George’s Park

On entering his final week leading the council, Frank said: “It is with a heavy heart I say farewell to some wonderful people and fantastic memories, but now is the right time for me to hand the reins on to somebody new to drive South Derbyshire onwards and upwards

“I wish to express my gratitude to elected members past and present, plus the many fellow officers who have supported and encouraged me during my time at this authority It has been a great privilege to serve you throughout ”

His service to the district has included his influence in bringing much investment and growth to the area, including Toyota City, Green Bank Leisure Centre and JCB

Jim Hewlett, retiring district councillor representing Melbourne ward, said: “One of Frank's major themes was the attraction of new businesses to the area to replace the jobs lost with the closure of coal mining; his mantra was ‘South Derbyshire is open for business!’

“This was instrumental in the district's unemployment rate being consistently below the national average, and often even the unemployment blackspot in Newhall was below the national average

“There were two major successes in Melbourne in recent years, the MSP and Mars The building of the MSP would not have happened without the sale of the Bretby Crematorium (against opposition) which was half owned by the council; this released about £1million, which was used to attract investment from Sport England, the FA and others, none of whom invest without a substantial sum coming from the area

“Frank was wholeheartedly behind the project, which is reckoned to be the best public sports set up in the region, and it couldn t have happened without his backing

“Secondly, the Assembly Rooms are owned by the district council, and Frank was again wholeheartedly behind the grant of considerable sums of money for its renovation and improvement, and the passing over of day-to-day management via a lease to a committee of people from the local community This has been tremendously successful and the place is buzzing with activity ”

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, 7.30pm See ad on page 10

Saturday 22 April:

Earth Day at Whistlewood Common

A fun “Have a go” event for all the family: 1-5pm. £5 adults, under 18s £2.

Saturday 22 April:

Coffee Morning

10am - noon. Roman Catholic Church, St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Melbourne.

Toasted Teacakes, Homemade Cakes, Various Craft Items.

Wednesday 26 April - 20 May

Creative Melbourne Gallery Exhibition Meadowlands

Wellington House, Church Street, Melbourne. Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. See ad on page 11

Monday 1 May

Party in the Garden See ad on page 11 Stack Yard, Donington Park Farmhouse. 12 - 6 - Free Entry

Monday 1 May:

Ticknall May Day Fete

Free admission but small charge for car parking. 11am - 4pm. Well behaved dogs welcome.

Thursday 4 May:

Melbourne Area Derby u3a

Melbourne Assembly Rooms, 2pm Invited speaker on the recent history of the motor industry. £1 including tea/coffee. Contact madu3ainfo@gmail.com www.u3asites.org.uk/melbourne-area

Saturday 6 May:

Melbourne Parish Council invites everyone to a free event celebrating King Charles III’s Coronation

Junior School. Gates open 2pm for 3.45pm opening ceremony. Fireworks at Brown’s Field at 10.30pm. No dogs allowed please.

Monday 8 May

Coronation Party See ad on page 11

Stack Yard, Donington Park Farmhouse. 12 - Late - Free Entry

Friday 12 May and Saturday 13 May: A Choir’d Taste

Spring and summer concert. Selection of popular songs celebrating spring & summer. Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm.

Saturday 13 May:

Coffee Morning

10am - noon. Baptist Church Schoolroom, Chapel Street, Melbourne.

To include your event here please email ads@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk or call 07584 025 852