HR Committee

Janice and I come from the same village near Chesterfield and have lived in Awsworth since we married in 1984. We have two grown up daughters, and now four young granddaughters keep us busy. I joined the Parish Council in 1990 because I disagreed with a decision the Council took, deciding it was better to be ‘at the table’ if I hoped to influence matters which had an impact on where my family and I lived. As an active member of the Council, I have tried to help improve my local area and community. I have been Vice-Chair of the Council for several years and more recently Chair of the Recreation Committee. As a former Government planning officer, I advise the Council on planning matters.

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I have been instrumental in initiating and delivering numerous local projects. A few examples: constructing a new pond on The Rec; hanging baskets on The Lane / Main Street; the ‘Centenary Oak’ on ‘The Donkey Piece’; sourcing and installing former mine tubs on ‘Tub Island’ for use as planters; raised beds in front of the Village Hall; spring bulb-planting and wildflower areas around the village.

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I strongly believe the Parish Council should be non-political and work for the benefit of local people and our parish. I am passionate about the environment and once, during a heated meeting with the local cricket club, was dubbed ‘The Green Man of Awsworth’, which I wear as a ‘badge of honour’. I believe in conservation but also in beneficial change. I was Chair of the Steering Group that prepared Awsworth’s Neighbourhood Plan, which provides policy to help guide planning decisions affecting our parish. Where we are unable to prevent new development, we should always try to get the best outcomes for the local area and residents.

I have lived in the Village of Awsworth all of my life, going to the local nursery and primary school, attending the Play group and Youth Club when it was based in the Village Hall, using all of the facilities, worked in one of the local pubs and most importantly, brought our home and raised our family here.

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I love the Village I live in, so when the opportunity came to become the Clerk of Awsworth Parish Council, I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately I wasn’t successful first time around but when the job became available again in 2016, I applied and this time (after an interview by 4 Parish Councillors and an IT test) I got the job.

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With a background in Finance, HR, Board and Executive Committees and  Events planning, I thought these skills and expertise were prefect for this role! However, I can guarantee, being a Clerk to a Parish Council, is nothing like you’d ever imagine, and still has its challenges.

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The legalities of local government, the public opinion, working with Volunteers rather than employed staff, all has its challenges, but the rewards totally out way the negatives. Working with like-minded people who want to work with you to try your hardest to make positive changes for the residents it the best part of the job.

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During my time at Awsworth Parish Council I have Project Managed the Village Hall refurbishment in 2017, the Sports Pavilion extension in 2019 and worked closely with the Football Club and Bowls Club for improvement projects to the pavilions, as well as many play area improvements and events for all residents to enjoy!

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My favourite time of year is Christmas, arranging the Christmas Lights Switch on event with Santa’s Grotto and of course Santa’s Sleigh visit around the Village, is such fun and so rewarding.

I’m Carol Sanderson, a Parish Councillor. I've lived in Awsworth for 40 years. I regularly attend services at St Peter's Church and am involved in the monthly Drop In Cafe at St Peter's for any resident who would like to meet with others. I joined the Neighbourhood Plan committee and enjoyed learning more about Awsworth, getting involved in planning for Awsworth's future whilst learning more about its past. I love walking around the village, looking at various styles of housing, in particular the terraced houses which have some fascinating details on them.

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This involvement was the reason for joining the Parish Council, working for the village and helping with social events as well as important issues which affect our village. Having grown up on a modern housing estate, I love the history and development of Awsworth which continues today. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. 

I live in the village and have served on Awsworth Parish Council since 2015 as an independent. I’m passionate about improving local facilities and quality of life in Awsworth, and I believe my work experience has helped contribute to those improvements over the years. Now retired, I originally qualified as a pharmacist and spent much of my career in management roles at Boots.