Celebrating our Winners 

    Meet the councils, councillors, clerks and community projects recognised at the 2025 DALC Award
    for their outstanding contribution to local communities across Derbyshire.

    Councillor of the Year 2025

    Cllr Tammy Brown – Findern Parish Council

    As Chair of Findern Parish Council since 2020, Councillor Tammy Brown has demonstrated exceptional dedication to both the council and the wider community.

    Under Tammy's leadership, the council has become a positive and effective force within the parish, focused on delivering benefits for residents. Alongside her council responsibilities, she plays an active role in a wide range of community initiatives, including the Village Hall, Community Speed Watch, the Warm Welcome Club and the development of the Findern Neighbourhood Plan.

    Her commitment, hands-on approach and passion for serving the community make her a worthy recipient of the 2025 Councillor of the Year Award.

    Key Achievements

    • Provided strong leadership and stability as Chair of Findern Parish Council since 2020

    • Chaired and guided the Findern Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group towards adoption

    • Coordinates and volunteers with Community Speed Watch and the Warm Welcome Club

    • Actively supports community events, village initiatives and the day-to-day operation of Findern Village Hall

    Clerk of the Year 2025

    Georgina Cooper – Chinley, Buxworth & Brownside Parish Council

    Georgina Cooper was recognised for her outstanding leadership and project management in delivering Chinley, Buxworth and Brownside Parish Council's new Community Centre.

    The project represented the culmination of a twenty-year ambition for the community and involved managing a complex £1.4 million programme encompassing planning, funding, design, procurement and construction. Throughout the project, Georgina continued to fulfil her duties as Parish Clerk while chairing the project team and overseeing delivery.

    Her dedication, expertise and countless additional hours helped transform a long-held vision into a modern community hub that will serve residents for decades to come.

    Key Achievements

    • Successfully managed the delivery of a £1.4 million Community Centre project

    • Oversaw complex funding applications, procurement and project governance

    • Chaired the joint project team while continuing her full responsibilities as Parish Clerk

    • Helped realise a twenty-year community ambition and create a lasting local hub

    Environmental Project of the Year 2025

    Wirksworth Town Council – The Meadows Project

    The Meadows Project transformed a neglected historic site into a vibrant community and wildlife space at the heart of Wirksworth.

    Following a successful community campaign to secure the future of the land, Wirksworth Town Council worked to restore the meadow through habitat creation, improved accessibility, tree planting and environmental enhancements. The project has created a welcoming green space for residents while supporting biodiversity and improving connections across the town.

    Delivered through strong community support and the leadership of council officer April Fussell, The Meadows stands as a lasting environmental legacy for future generations.

    Key Achievements

    • Secured and protected a historic meadow following a successful community fundraising campaign

    • Restored wildflower habitats, planted more than 400 trees and improved biodiversity

    • Created accessible paths, seating and community spaces for residents of all ages

    • Delivered a lasting environmental asset while improving access across the town

    Council of the Year 2025

    Old Bolsover Town Council & Tibshelf Parish Council

    Old Bolsover Town Council was recognised for delivering a flagship skate park project more than a decade in the making. The £490,000 development has created opportunities for young people, strengthened community engagement and contributed to a reduction in anti-social behaviour.

    Tibshelf Parish Council impressed judges through its commitment to community involvement, including the creation of a resident-led Events Committee, a successful music festival, Warm Banks sessions and ongoing engagement with local groups.

    Key Achievements

    Old Bolsover Town Council

    • Delivered a £490,000 skate park project more than a decade in the making

    • Achieved a reported 60% reduction in anti-social behaviour following the facility's opening

    • Built strong partnerships with local organisations to create a safe and inclusive space for young people

    Tibshelf Parish Council

    • Launched the first Tibshelf Music Festival, attracting around 1,000 visitors

    • Established a resident-led Events Committee to increase community participation

    • Continued one of the area's best-attended Warm Banks initiatives, tackling isolation and supporting residents

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