Ashfield District Council's outgoing Chairman, Councillor Arnie Hankin, was honoured for his year in office at the Council's Annual General Meeting last week.

Over the past 12 months Councillor Hankin, a local Councillor for Selston, has been representing the Council at dozens of events across the District. During his time as Chairman, Councillor Hankin has raised over £4,000 for his two chosen charities, Cancer Research UK and The British Heart Foundation. 

Commenting on his time as Chairman, Councillor Hankin said, "It has been an absolute honour and privilege to serve the residents of Ashfield as the Chairman. I have loved every single minute; it has gone far too quickly. I'd like to thank all Councillors and Council officers for the support they have given me over the last year. A special thank you must go to Councillor John Smallridge, who has been a marvellous Vice Chairman."

As Chairman of Ashfield District Council, Councillor Hankin has had the opportunity to attend a variety of events and functions as part of his civic duty. His favourite memories from the past year include representing Ashfield at numerous community events, especially hosting many raisings - honouring the Armed Forces, Remembrance Day parades and the recent fundraising ball for his chosen charities. He also used his year to promote Selston Country Park and was delighted recently to open its new café. 

Councillor Hankin had some advice for the incoming Chairman, Councillor David Walters, and Vice Chairman, Councillor Dale Grounds. 

Outgoing Chairman, Cllr Arnie Hankin, at Hucknall market

He said, "Congratulations to David and Dale on their appointments. I am sure they will do a fantastic job for residents. Make sure you enjoy your year and put your best foot forward to represent Ashfield.

"My final piece of advice as Chairman of Ashfield District Council is to residents; cherish every moment and live life to the full."

Ashfield District Council's new Chairman, Councillor David Walters, was first elected onto the Council in 2019, since then he has represented the Council as an Armed Forces Champion, member of the local Civil and Military Partnership Board, Governor of the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, member of the Nottinghamshire County Council Health and Wellbeing Board, and as Chairman of the Audit Committee. 

Councillor Walters retired from the military after serving decades with the armed forces, both in uniform in the Royal Air Force, and as a civilian as part of NATO forces in Europe. 

On the fall of the Iron Curtain and the reunification of Germany Councillor Walters returned to the UK in 1997 and worked until his retirement as a Management Systems Auditor for a world leading German healthcare Company specialising in renal care (kidney treatment/dialysis equipment production). 

Newly elected Chairman of Ashfield District Council, Councillor Walters, said "I am proud to be the new Chairman of Ashfield District Council, it is an honour. I'd like to thank Councillor Arnie Hankin for his dedication over the past year."

Ashfield District Council's new Vice Chairman, Councillor Dale Grounds, also joined the Council in 2019.

Councillor Grounds has been a prominent figure in the community and is well known as his alter ego, Spiderman.

During the pandemic, unable to visit hospitals as Spiderman, Councillor Grounds began video calling the children that he would normally see in person. He also became a volunteer at the Ashfield Health village vaccination centre, dedicating hundreds of hours to helping the Covid-19 vaccine efforts.  

Councillor Grounds said "Becoming Vice Chairman of the Council is a huge source of pride for me. I will strive to continue to make a difference in the community. I am looking forward to my first civic duty."