Councillor calls for Captain Sir Tom Moore to be permanently honoured in Chesterfield

Capt Sir Tom, who raised almost £33million for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden last year, died with coronavirus in Bedford Hospital on Tuesday.

MORE: ‘A beacon of light during the horrors of the pandemic’: Derbyshire pays tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore

The Army veteran – who was 100 – helped to lift the nation’s spirits during the pandemic and inspired many people across Derbyshire to take on their own fundraising challenges.

Councillor Mick Bagshaw, who sits on Chesterfield Borough Council and Staveley Town Council, wants to make sure Capt Sir Tom is never forgotten in our area.

He said: “I think Chesterfield should pay tribute to our national hero by having the approach road to Chesterfield Royal Hospital named after him or some permanent memorial outside the main entrance.”

Coun Bagshaw’s suggestion comes as the borough council has launched a public consultation to gather people’s views on how historical figures and events should be commemorated in the borough.

Cou Tricia Gilby, leader of the borough council, said: “Remembering our history is vital because it shows where we’ve come from and can inform our future.

“How we commemorate our past is something that should be led by the community and it is important that our future commemoration activities reflect what carries meaning for our residents.

“I encourage anyone to take part in our consultation – by sharing your views you will be helping to shape how we collectively remember our community’s history.”

For more information about the consultation and to take part in it, visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/your-chesterfield/consultation-and-community-engagement/consultations/commemoration-consultation.

Last year, the borough council said it was ‘developing options’ for establishing a lasting lasting memorial to the people of Chesterfield who have lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic – as well as recognising the work of local key workers and volunteers.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Capt Sir Tom – who was born in the West Yorkshire town of Keighley – had been ‘a symbol of people’s resilience during an incredibly difficult year’.

He said: “We should find a way to make sure we mark the memory of Capt Tom and thank him for the contribution he made to the NHS.

“I will ensure that we mark his contribution properly and appropriately at the right moment.

“I think everybody would welcome that.”

MORE: Derbyshire man left elderly couple wheelchair-bound when he hit them head-on in drunken smash

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.