4 minute read
President’s Page
I begin this article by remembering her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who sadly passed on 8 September 2022 aged 96. Her Majesty was the UK’s longest-serving monarch, taking the throne at 25 years of age on 6th February 1952. Unlike traditional leaders who resist change, Her Majesty displayed a love to embrace change and adapt according to the changing times. When she ascended the throne, she changed the original decision of broadcasting the coronation ceremony on radio to television. A first of many changes to modernise the monarchy over time. Her Majesty’s reign of 70 years is a testament to her dedication, resilience and strength, a truly remarkable lady.
I was saddened to hear about the passing of John Waldron of Eddowes Waldron who passed away on 21 August 2022 aged 71 years. John was very well thought of in the area. Sincere condolences are sent to John’s family and friends, John will be missed.
John Waldron - 1951-2022 In Loving Memory
Engagements this month and next
I had the pleasure of attending the Northamptonshire Law Society annual Dinner on 23 September 2022. It was wonderful to spend time with the Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Nottinghamshire Law Society, Leicestershire Law Society, Birmingham Law Society, Hertfordshire Law Society and the welcoming hosts Northamptonshire Law Society. The event provided a great platform for delegates to network and re-connect in a social setting, further strengthening our ties and forming new partnerships with societies in the region and beyond. It was particularly refreshing to experience the positive energy for progression.
Our society arranged a Family Law Update on 20 September 2022 which was presented by 36 Family Chambers and hosted at Nelsons Solicitors. The update was very well attended and we received positive feedback for the update. If there are any particular updates or seminars that you would like to see in the future, please contact Julia on admin@ derbylaw.net
In support of one of many aims this year, an event was set up to help members achieve a ‘work/life brilliance’ on 28 September 2022 which was presented by Sarah Markham (founder of Calm in a Box) and again, kindly hosted by Nelsons Solicitors. I was lucky to be able to attend the workshop; it was insightful and enabled those attending to refocus on their mental health. Many did not know what to expect when they attended, it appeared that everybody came away with a lot of ‘food for thought’ in taking small steps to achieve a more positive work/life brilliance!
I am not sure whether you are fans of the Great British Bake Off or ‘sampling’ some sweet treats or bakes! Or alternatively to support a good cause – if so, there is a fantastic opportunity to take part in the DDLS Bake Off on 5 October 2022. There are wonderful prizes for the top 3 bakes and all proceeds will go to our charity of the year Derbyshire Mind. Thank you to fellow committee members Lucy Tissington and Chloe Summers for organising this event.
I am honoured to be invited by Mike Copestake; the High Sheriff, to the Derby Legal Service which is to take place on 9 October 2022. I look forward to reporting back to you on this event in the next bulletin. I am excited to announce the launch of the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Sub - Committee – at 12 noon on 13 October 2022 at University of Derby, One Friar Gate Square, Agard Street, Derby DE1. The launch will take place in conjunction with a networking event on Social Mobility and Diversity, which has been organised in collaboration with the University of Derby Law Society. There is an exciting panel including Hasnat Bashir of St Ives Chambers, Ashiedu Joel a Cultural Intelligence Facilitator and Trainer and Vee Munro, barrister and former lecturer at the University of Derby. This event is not one to be missed, I look forward to seeing you there!
On 17 October 2022, I will be representing our society at a dinner with the SRA. Thank you to those that have already raised matters that you wish for me to discuss or their behalf. If there are any particular views or thoughts that you wish for me to express, please let me or Julia know.
We have a Ghost Crawl taking place in November and a Christmas Social & Networking event in December, look out for further information in due course, they look to be great events.
I am pleased to note that Derby Junior Lawyers is now well and fully formed. If your junior lawyers are not yet members, I would certainly recommend that you encourage them to join, the benefits in joining this society are immeasurable. The networking, peer support and fun are some to mention. Well done to those re-igniting this society.
At lot of work happens behind the scenes in arranging events – particularly by our administrator Julia Saunders but also by many others. I wish to express gratitude to all those involved. I have a special thank you to Laura Matthews who has been involved in creating the publicity branding for our society – Laura certainly has a creative eye; her efforts are much appreciated.
If you would like to get involved in the Committee or if there is anything that you would like to see our society to do more of – please do not hesitate to get in touch.
That is enough from me, I look forward to seeing you soon!
Manesha Ruparel President, 2022-23