EBC News 16th December 2025

A Christmas message from the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Harry Atkinson
Hello and Merry Christmas!

As the festive season gets well and truly underway in Erewash, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible spirit of our borough and look forward to a new year filled with promise.

This year, we have seen the very best of Erewash. From coming together to pay our respects to Donald Rose, to celebrating our community at Long Eaton Chestnut Fair and at Ilkeston Charter Fair. We have marked the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day, remembering the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today, to name but a few. At every turn, the people of Erewash have shown what makes our borough so special, compassion in difficult times, joy in our traditions, and a deep sense of togetherness that shines through all we do

As Mayor of Erewash, I have the privilege of seeing the very best of our borough. I am proud to work alongside the tireless volunteers and dedicated individuals who run our fantastic community groups and charitable organisations. People like Joe Cahill, who organises Ilkeston's Trick or Treat trail, and Alan Chewings, who supports the elderly in Sawley. Your work is the heart and soul of Erewash and a powerful reminder that our community spirit is very much alive.

I, like many, have lived in Erewash all my life. I am proud to call it home and only want to see Erewash succeed, and there is positive work taking place and on the horizon.

As many of us gather with family and friends for a well-deserved rest, let us pause to remember the extraordinary men and women who will be working across Erewash throughout Christmas Day and the New Year.

To our magnificent NHS staff, our dedicated Police officers, our brave Fire and Rescue teams, and our Armed Forces: thank you.

You are the guardians of our safety and well-being, and your commitment, sacrifice, and professionalism bring peace of mind to every home. We owe you a debt of gratitude for putting our community first, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

This Christmas is a time for hope, connection, and gratitude. I wish you and your loved ones a Christmas filled with warmth, peace, and joy. May the new year bring you health and happiness.

From my family and everyone at Erewash Borough Council, thank you, have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!"

Well wishes for 2026 from the Flying Tigers
As the Commanding Officer of the Flying Tigers at 814 Naval Air Squadron, RNAS Culdrose, I would like to extend my gratitude for the support from the Mayor of the Borough of Erewash and the people of the Borough.

814 NAS has been deployed for the entirety of 2025, with up to 70% of the squadron being away from their loved ones at any one time.

We have embarked in 6 different ships, visited 24 different countries and travelled as far North as the Arctic, as far East as the Republic of Korea, as far South as South Africa and as far West as the mid-North Atlantic. Your continued support of the Armed Forces and specifically 814 NAS gives all of those serving the motivation to continue our duty of protecting our nation's people and interests wherever we execute our duties in the world.

Our affiliation with the Borough is a relationship we hold dearly, and on behalf of all at 814 NAS, I would like to extend our thanks for your support in 2025 and wish you all the best in 2026.

And a happy New Year from The Mercian Regiment
On behalf of The Mercian Regiment, we would like to wish the families of our soldiers from Erewash, as well as the residents of the Borough, happiness during the Christmas season.

This year, many of Mercian soldiers, both regular and reserve, have deployed on operations and exercises across the world, with some soldiers remaining overseas throughout the winter months. The role that these soldiers play as part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence continues to provide much needed security to our allied European nations. We wish our deployed soldiers well and we thank them for their continued service.

With a new year on the horizon, we hope that all members of our communities have a prosperous New Year full of opportunities and excitement.

From Regimental Headquarters, The Mercian Regiment